Gunmen killed nine Nigerian troops and injured several others ​in Kebbi State, ‌security sources and local officials said on Wednesday.

Kebbi state, which shares a border with ​Benin and Niger, is among ​northwestern states where armed kidnapping gangs roam ⁠largely freely, overlapping with Islamist ​militants who are expanding their presence in the ​region.

Two army sources and a resident said the soldiers were on patrol near their base ​in Kebbi’s Shanga district when they ​were attacked by the gunmen late on Tuesday.

The ‌army ⁠sources said they suspected the Lakurawa militant group, which is known to operate in the area and targets Nigeria’s ​security agents.

Kebbi ​state ⁠governor Nasir Idris confirmed the attack after visiting injured soldiers ​but did not provide a ​death ⁠toll.

Insecurity is the biggest issue confronting President Bola Tinubu’s government, around three years ⁠after ​taking office.

The Nigerian army ​did not immediately comment.

REUTERS