Four people have been killed, while a soldier has been declared missing following a gun battle between security personnel and suspected bandits in Tudun Bicci community, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Wednesday, clarifying that contrary to earlier reports, the victims were two forest guards and two civilians, not a soldier.

He said one soldier remains missing following the exchange of gunfire.

According to Bena, the clash occurred after security operatives responded to an attack by suspected bandits on farmers in the community.

He disclosed that several of the attackers were killed during the gun battle, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The council chairman blamed the recurring attacks on armed groups operating from camps in neighbouring Zamfara and Niger states.

He said the Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with security agencies and the local government, had stepped up efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.

Bena appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, expressing confidence that ongoing operations would restore peace to the affected communities.

The Kebbi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.