Kathmandu— At least ten police officers, seventeen suspected bandits, and two civilians were killed during a clash with an armed group in Kebbi State, northwestern Nigeria on Monday. The confrontation involved approximately 240 individuals identified as “bandits” traveling on over 200 motorcycles from Zamfara State. Authorities report the area is frequently affected by criminal gangs engaged in cattle rustling and kidnappings for ransom.

The Kebbi State Confrontation

Police spokesman Bashir Usman stated that officers encountered the heavily armed group while they were traveling from Zamfara to Kebbi State. The ensuing firefight resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with police reporting the loss of ten personnel and injuries to two others who are currently receiving medical care. Two civilians also died during the clashes, and authorities continue to assess the final casualty count.

Escalating Insecurity in Northwestern Nigeria

Northwestern Nigeria has faced ongoing security challenges due to armed groups involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom and livestock theft. Last month, at least twenty people were killed during bandit attacks on villages within Zamfara State, highlighting the escalating violence in the region. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research reported in March that more than half a million people have been displaced by ongoing violence across Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the casualties and monitor the security situation in Kebbi State and surrounding areas.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.