By Our Reporter, With Agency Reports
TEN POLICE officers and at least 17 suspected bandits were killed during a fierce encounter between security operatives and a heavily armed group in Kebbi State, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed.
The confrontation occurred on Monday, August 10, along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area, after police operatives intercepted the suspected bandits who were reportedly moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
According to Iniedu, the police operation began at about 9:25 a.m. when officers engaged the armed group. At least 17 suspected bandits were killed during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.
However, the police suffered significant casualties, with 10 personnel killed and two others wounded. The injured officers are receiving medical attention, while the remains of the deceased have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi.
Two civilians were also killed during the engagement, according to the police.
The incident comes amid persistent insecurity in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups commonly referred to as bandits have continued to carry out attacks, kidnappings for ransom, killings and cattle theft despite ongoing security operations.
Following the clash, additional security personnel were deployed to the area to reinforce existing forces and pursue members of the armed group who fled the scene. The police said the area had subsequently been brought under control.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan-Disu, expressed deep grief over the death of the 10 officers, describing their loss as a painful blow to the police and the country.
He extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, noting that the officers had paid the ultimate price in the course of protecting the people they were sworn to serve.
The IGP assured the bereaved families that the sacrifice of the fallen officers would not be forgotten and pledged that the police would continue to support them and the injured personnel.
He also vowed that security forces would intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.
“We are not going to relent in our efforts. All the attackers will be arrested and brought to book,” the IGP said through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Shehu-Nadada.
The DIG led a delegation from the Nigeria Police Force to Kebbi on Tuesday to convey the IGP’s condolences to the state government, residents and families of the fallen officers.
Receiving the delegation at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris condoled with the police over the loss and pledged government assistance to the families of the slain officers and other victims of the attack.
Idris said the officers had been deployed to the area in the course of supporting sister security agencies in efforts to combat terrorism and criminal activities.
He described their deaths as a significant loss and said it was part of Kebbi’s tradition to assist families of security personnel who die in the line of duty.
“The Kebbi Government will come to the aid of the families of these officers who paid the supreme price,” the governor pledged.
The governor also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies operating in Kebbi.
In turn, the police leadership commended the state government for its continued support for security operations and disclosed that a new police squadron would soon be established in the state.
The police said operations would continue in the affected area as security personnel pursue fleeing members of the criminal group. The Force also reiterated its commitment to honouring the memory of the fallen officers by ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
