Nigeria, Sept. 10 -- Gunmen have killed three police officers after ambushing a security checkpoint in Kogi State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Egbe, a town in Yagba West Local Government Area near the boundary with Kwara State.

Local residents said the attackers opened fire on the officers, leading to a fierce gun battle.

"The assailants came for their guns, which they carted away. Three police officers died in the gun battle," a witness told reporters.

Kogi State police spokesperson, William Aya, confirmed that the command lost three officers in the attack.

He said the commissioner of police, Miller Dantawaye, had deployed a tactical response team to the ares.

"I can confirm to you that three officers on duty were...