A fierce gun battle between suspected terrorists and security operatives has left several people dead, including three soldiers, following an attack on Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The early morning assault, which reportedly began around 3 a.m. and lasted for about two hours, saw heavily armed attackers storm a security post comprising soldiers, forest guards and local vigilantes.

A source familiar with the incident said the assailants, who arrived in large numbers, engaged security forces in an intense exchange of gunfire.

“They attacked the security formation directly. Three soldiers and two vigilantes were killed, while many others sustained injuries,” the source said.

The attackers were also said to have suffered casualties, though the exact number remains unclear.

In the aftermath of the clash, the gunmen reportedly made away with weapons, ammunition, about 12 motorcycles, and an army gun truck.

Injured victims have been taken to hospitals in Kaiama, with those in critical condition referred to Ilorin for further treatment.

As of the time of filing this report, the military high command and Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue official statements on the incident.

Meanwhile, the development comes amid renewed violence in parts of the country, with reports of fresh attacks in Plateau and Benue states leaving at least 11 persons dead.