Terrorists have reportedly killed security operatives and carted away an army gun truck after a fierce gun battle with soldiers in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the early hours of Monday.
The clash, which lasted nearly two hours from about 3am to 5am, comes amid fresh attacks in Plateau and Benue states where at least 11 persons were also reported killed.
What happened
Sources said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers and launched a direct assault on a security formation comprising soldiers, forest guards, and vigilantes.
A former council chairman disclosed that three soldiers and two vigilantes were killed during the encounter, while several others sustained injuries.
“They came around 3am and attacked the security post… they also took motorcycles, guns, ammunition, and even the army gun truck,” the source said.
Weapons carted away
Residents confirmed that the attackers overwhelmed the troops before fleeing with military equipment, including about 12 motorcycles, arms, and ammunition.
Another source said the attackers also evacuated their injured members, raising concerns about possible local collaboration.
Military response
Security operatives were said to have launched a pursuit operation into nearby forests, believed to be the attackers’ hideout.
Some injured personnel have been taken to Kaiama General Hospital, while severe cases were referred to Ilorin for further treatment.
No civilian casualties
Community sources and the village head, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, confirmed that residents were not attacked during the incident.
“The terrorists came from Kainji National Park and attacked our security men. We lost three soldiers… but there was no casualty among residents,” he said.
Wider attacks
The Kwara incident occurred alongside separate attacks in Plateau and Benue communities, where no fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured.
Efforts to get official confirmation from police authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.