On Thursday 8 October 2026, gunmen attacked a road construction site in Kebbi State, north-west Nigeria, killing a Chinese national and two local security personnel; two other people were injured. Kebbi police reported the attack on 9 October, and police confirmed to Xinhua that the foreign victim was a Chinese citizen. Our condolences go to the families of all three victims.
Kebbi site attack timeline
- 2026-10-08Gunmen attack highway site in Gubba, Maiyama; 3 killed, 2 injured
- 2026-10-09Kebbi police statement blames suspected Lakurawa; Xinhua confirms victim was Chinese
- 2026-10-09Site work suspended; more security deployed
Key points
- When: Thursday 8 October 2026; police statement on 9 October.
- Where: Gubba village, Maiyama Local Government Area, Kebbi State, at a Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway construction site.
- Casualties: three killed (one Chinese national, two security personnel) and two injured.
- Attackers: police said suspected Lakurawa militants crossed in from neighbouring Sokoto State.
- Aftermath: work at the site has been suspended and more security personnel deployed. Police also repelled a separate attack elsewhere in the state.
Why it matters for Chinese in Nigeria
China’s Ministry of Commerce country guide (2025 edition) describes Nigeria’s security situation as “severe and complex” and notes recurring kidnappings involving Chinese citizens. In September 2025, a convoy carrying five Chinese citizens was attacked and one was kidnapped; the Lagos consulate then urged Chinese firms and citizens to “highly prioritize their personal safety and take measures to prevent various risks”.
Project sites in the North-West, including Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara, are remote and connected by long roads. If you work on or manage a site there, now is the time to review security arrangements.
Safety reminders
- Cut non-essential travel, especially at night and on remote roads. When you must travel, use an escort and vary routes and timings.
- Sites and camps: check perimeter, access control, lighting and evacuation routes, and keep in touch with local police and community leaders.
- Report movements: share staff lists and trip plans with your company’s security lead and follow embassy alerts.
- Emergency contacts: Nigeria’s national emergency line is 112. The Chinese Embassy in Abuja (16 northern states plus the FCT) consular line is +234 806 337 8795; the Lagos Consulate-General (20 southern states) is +234 916 279 1792. Check the missions’ latest notices.
For practical precautions, read our Nigeria security guide and the rest of our safety section. If you are based in the capital, see our Abuja city guide.
Sources
- Xinhua via Eastmoney (9 Oct 2026)
- Global Times (10 Oct 2026)
- The Guardian Nigeria (9 Oct 2026)
- ECNS: Chinese consulate in Lagos warns after convoy attack (15 Sep 2025)
- Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos notice with consular hotlines (Dec 2025)
FAQ
Where did the Kebbi attack happen?
At a Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway construction site in Gubba village, Maiyama LGA, Kebbi State.
Who should Chinese citizens call in an emergency?
Call 112 first, then the Chinese Embassy in Abuja (+234 806 337 8795) for the north and FCT, or the Lagos Consulate-General (+234 916 279 1792) for the south.
Which areas are higher risk?
MOFCOM's guide flags terrorism in the North-East, conflict in the Middle Belt and kidnapping risk nationwide; remote North-West project sites are also high risk. Follow the embassy's latest alerts.
Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts