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The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that 10 people, including a police inspector, were killed in attacks and reprisal violence around the riverside communities of Besse and Shanga, announcing new security operations to restore peace in the affected areas.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Bashir Usman disclosed this to Blueprint.ng on Friday, explaining that the violence followed rumors of cattle rustling by suspected Lakurawa elements and an imminent attack, triggering the mobilization of local vigilantes known as Yan Sakai. Project reports
According to him, vigilantes invaded Samanaji Market on October 22, 2026 and attacked Fulani traders who had gone there to conduct their legitimate businesses.
He said police tactical teams deployed by the Besse Divisional Police Officer responded promptly and prevented further violence, although three Fulani traders were killed and a police inspector was injured.
Usman said the displacement of residents of some communities was a consequence of retaliatory attacks, while subsequent assaults on October 26 and 28 by suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa terrorists were repelled by joint security teams.
He confirmed that seven people, including a police inspector, were killed in the attacks, bringing to 10 the total number of deaths specifically accounted for in the police clarification.
The police orders new security operations
The police spokesperson said the Police Commissioner, CP Umar M. Hadejia, PSC, directed aggressive clearance, confidence building and search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
He said additional mobile police force personnel, tactical teams and conventional police officers had been deployed to work with other security agencies to dominate the area and restore lasting peace.
“The Commissioner of Police has since ordered aggressive clearance, confidence building and search and rescue operations along the entire axis, with additional PMF, tactical and conventional teams in synergy with other security agencies to dominate the area and restore lasting peace,” Usman said.
He added that investigations into the incidents are ongoing, urging residents to remain calm and ignore unverified testimonies that could create panic.
Attacks cause displacement in riverine communities
The attacks have increased insecurity in communities along the Besse and Shanga river axis, with reports of killings, destruction of property, looting and displacement of residents.
Communities mentioned in reports of the recent violence include Karwa, Kestu and Waiwayi, where alleged armed groups reportedly attacked residents on October 26 and 28.
The affected settlements are located within an area where movement across river routes and difficult terrain continued to pose a challenge to security operations.
The police account indicates that the violence involved both the initial attack on Fulani traders at Samanaji Market and subsequent retaliatory attacks, along with attacks attributed to suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa elements.
The clarification provides the command’s account of how the violence escalated, including the circumstances surrounding the market attack, subsequent displacement, and casualties recorded during subsequent attacks.
Wider safety concerns in Kebbi
The latest incidents have renewed concerns about the activities of armed groups in some parts of Kebbi State, particularly in communities around the river corridor linking Besse and Shanga.
Kebbi has witnessed numerous security incidents in recent months, including attacks on rural communities and security personnel, as armed groups exploit difficult terrain and roads connecting settlements.
Previous attacks have been reported in parts of the state, including Lafagu, Boya and Kaoje, where residents and local sources reported killings and destruction of property. Communities in other local government areas, including Sakaba, Yauri and Maiyama, also faced security threats.
The security situation has prompted the deployment of military forces and other security formations in different parts of the state, with operations aimed at preventing armed groups from establishing bases or expanding their activities.
Riverine communities are particularly vulnerable due to their geographical location and the difficulty of accessing some settlements. This has also complicated efforts to protect residents, respond promptly to attacks, and facilitate the return of displaced families.
The police command’s latest directive for clearance and search and rescue operations is expected to complement efforts already made by security agencies to contain the violence and restore trust among residents.
Other reports speak of 12 deaths
Other media reports, however, put the death toll from the attacks at 12, including a police inspector.
The Guardian, in a report published on October 29, said five people were killed on October 26, while seven others, including a police inspector, died in the October 28 attacks. The New Telegraph also reported 12 deaths in the attacks.
The figures differ from the latest clarification provided to Blueprint by the police spokesperson, who counted seven deaths in the attacks on October 26 and 28 and three in the Samanaji market incident on October 22, bringing the total to 10.
The discrepancy between the accounts remains unresolved, highlighting the need for further clarification from the police command on the final number of victims.
For communities affected by the attacks, the immediate priorities remain the protection of lives and property, the safe return of displaced residents, and the restoration of normal economic and social activities.
Police assured residents that operations were ongoing and urged them to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid investigations and prevent further attacks.
