In what seems to be an act of revenge after the death of their leader, Maigemu, at the hands of a combined security force in Kebbi, suspected Lakurawa terrorists launched a brutal attack on Birnin Dede village on Sunday, claiming the lives of 13 people.

Sources reveal that the assailants also set fire to at least eight surrounding villages near Birnin Dede, all located within the Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The attack is believed to be in direct retaliation for the killing of the Lakurawa leader by security forces, with reports noting that the attackers spared only one village, which was under Army protection.

A local resident, speaking by phone, expressed fear and sought divine protection from the violent group, “We seek protection from Allah against this dreaded group.”

The Chairman of Arewa Local Government, Sani Aliyu, confirmed the deadly assault to Channels Television.

This attack comes in the wake of security forces’ successful operation, with the backing of Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, that led to the killing of Maigemu, the notorious leader of the Lakurawa militants, in their ongoing efforts to curb the region’s rising violence.

Despite repeated attempts, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, did not respond to calls or messages for further information on the incident.

Troops of operation Fansan Yanma have killed two “notorious bandit leaders” identified as Yusuf Gwamna and Malam Ashiru in Dutsin-Ma LGA of Katsina state.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the operation, carried out late Friday night, was led by a joint security task force comprising the military, police, and other security agencies.

Makama added that acting on intelligence, the forces ambushed the bandits at a key location, engaging them in a gunfight that left several suspected terrorists dead.

A security source quoted in the report said Gwamna and Ashiru were behind multiple deadly attacks in Dutsin-Ma, Danmusa, and Matazu LGAs.

“This operation is a major breakthrough in our efforts annihilate bandits operating in Katsina state,” the source said.

“These bandits had been on our watchlist for a long time, and their elimination will significantly degrade their group’s operational capacity.”

The duo were reportedly responsible for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and armed robberies that had terrorised communities in the region.

Makama said security forces are continuing clearance operations in the area, tracking down fleeing bandits and working to secure local communities.

A petroleum tanker carrying about 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, has caught fire in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

Our correspondent learnt that the tanker lost control and veered into a bush, where it immediately caught fire.

The incident reportedly took place at Onipe Village, near Idi Ayunre, along the Ijebu Ode–Ibadan Road” and not along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.

The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident when contacted.

In his reaction, Akinyinka stated that no casualties were recorded.

He said, “The fire incident was reported at exactly 08:05 hours on Sunday, 9th March 2025.

“As soon as the address was taken, fire personnel led by ACFS Olubunmi were swiftly deployed to the scene. On arrival, it was discovered that a petrol tanker, loaded with 45,000 litres of fuel, had lost control while in motion, swerved off the road into the forest, and caught fire.

“We quickly swung into action and were able to contain the fire in time with the aid of a foam chemical compound. No casualties were recorded, but the fire affected the petrol tanker.

“The presence of the Nigerian police from Idi Ayunre Division, as well as a group of Agbekoya, was also acknowledged for providing security cover.”