Three Kebbi Vigilantes Reportedly Killed in Suspected Bandit Attack Near Niger Border

Three vigilantes from Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State have reportedly been killed by suspected bandits while returning from Agwara in neighbouring Niger State.
The victims were identified by local sources as Abubakar Mai Nera, the vigilante commander in Saminaka, Tanko Sarki and Amadu Saminaka. They were said to be from Saminaka and Bakinturu communities in Shanga LGA.
Sources said the three men were attacked around Kasabo, Binuwa and Mago communities, across the River Kwara along the Kebbi-Niger border. The alleged attack reportedly occurred on Friday as the vigilantes made their way back from Agwara.
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the attackers set the victims ablaze after killing them. The source said the bodies had not been recovered as of the time of reporting.
Another resident said members of the affected communities and search teams were continuing efforts to locate the bodies. He expressed hope that the remains would be found so the victims could be returned to their families for burial.
The reported deaths have heightened concerns among communities along the Kebbi-Niger border, where armed attacks have continued to pose security challenges. The incident also comes amid wider concerns over banditry and insecurity across parts of north-western Nigeria.
However, the Kebbi State Police Command said it could not confirm the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said he was not aware of the report and noted that the alleged attack occurred in Niger State, although the reported victims were from Kebbi.
The identities of the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths could not be independently verified as of press time. The reported search for the victims’ bodies was still ongoing.