NIS confirms killing of three operatives by Lukarawa terrorists

The Nigeria Immigration Service has confirmed the killing of three of its officers by gunmen suspected to be Lukarawa terrorists in Kebbi State.

The terrorists reportedly killed the officers at a checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.

It is gathered that the attack, which occurred around midnight on Wednesday, has heightened fear and tension among residents of the border communities.

According to residents of the area, the armed men stormed the immigration checkpoint and opened fire on the officers on duty, leaving three of them dead on the spot.

The gunmen were said to have fled into the surrounding bush after the assault.

The killing came less than a month after a customs officer was killed and several official vehicles were burnt during a similar attack in the Maje border axis, raising concerns about escalating insecurity around the Nigeria–Benin border corridor in Bagudo.

The Lakurawa gang has been linked to a series of violent attacks in parts of Kebbi State, targeting both security agents and civilians.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, described the attack as a painful loss, noting that the officers were carrying out their lawful duties when they were ambushed and killed.

He said the NIS had commenced an investigation into the incident, adding that the case had been reported to the appropriate security agencies.

“It is quite an unfortunate incident. We have launched our internal investigation. Of course, this kind of incident is an internal security issue, so relevant security agents have been contacted, and they are on top of the situation,” he said.

The NIS assured that it remained committed to its mandate despite the setback.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident but said details were still sketchy.

Culled from punch.