Fresh details have emerged from Kemanji community in Kwara State, where suspected armed bandits launched a deadly overnight assault on a joint security formation, killing soldiers, injuring several operatives, and carting away weapons and military assets.
The attack it was gathered, happened at about 3:00am on Monday when heavily armed assailants stormed the community in large numbers and directly targeted a security post manned by soldiers, forest guards, and local vigilantes.
A former local government chairman, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the attackers overran the position in a coordinated strike.
“They came into Kemanji around 3am and attacked the security post. They killed three soldiers and two vigilantes, while many others were injured,” he said.
He added that the attackers also made away with about twelve motorcycles, firearms, ammunition, and reportedly even an army gun truck, underscoring the scale and boldness of the assault.
Injured personnel were immediately evacuated, with those in critical condition transferred to Ilorin for advanced medical care, while others are receiving treatment at Kaiama General Hospital.
“Some of those injured are on their way to Ilorin for treatment, while others are receiving care at Kaiama General Hospital,” the source added.
Despite the violence, residents confirmed that civilians in the community were not directly targeted, as the attackers appeared focused on neutralising the security formation.
Another resident, Mohammed Mohammed, corroborated the account, stating that the attackers initially overwhelmed the troops before escaping into nearby forests with military equipment.
“They invaded the community and killed three military officers. They took their armoured vehicle along with motorcycles, arms and ammunition,” he said.
Security sources say reinforcement teams have since launched a manhunt operation, combing surrounding forest areas in pursuit of the fleeing attackers, though their whereabouts remain unknown at this time.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the increasing sophistication and firepower of armed groups operating in parts of northern and central Nigeria, raising fresh questions about security preparedness and rural protection strategies.