The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of three officers following an attack by suspected bandits on a Police Mobile Force (PMF) camp in Tenebo community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly caught security personnel off guard as gunmen stormed the facility in large numbers, some riding motorcycles.

A resident, Mohammed Abdul, said the attackers arrived around 2 a.m. and attempted to infiltrate the community but were resisted by security operatives, leading to hours of intense gunfire.

“At the end of the gun duel, three officers were killed and two were injured. The bandits left thereafter, but nobody was kidnapped and we didn’t know whether there was any casualty on their side,” he said.

Another resident, Halidu Umar, described the atmosphere as tense, noting that many residents remained fearful following the incident.

“None of us who have houses around that axis could sleep through the night. Even now, we are still afraid,” he said, adding that the area serves as a route to a nearby national park believed to be a hideout for bandits.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, stating that three officers were killed while two others sustained injuries and are currently responding to treatment.

“Yes, it’s true. We lost three gallant officers in the attack, with two injured. No arrest has been made,” he said.

The attack adds to a series of recent violent incidents in the area. Last month, gunmen reportedly overran a joint security outpost in Kemanji, a neighbouring community, killing three soldiers and two vigilantes, while also carting away military equipment.

In a separate incident, bandits were said to have killed five members of a local forest guard in Nuku community and destroyed operational vehicles and facilities.