No fewer than 10 police officers and two civilians have been killed in a confrontation between security operatives and suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The incident occurred around 9:25am on Monday along the Rafin Makuku axis, where security personnel reportedly intercepted a heavily armed group moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the casualties in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman.
Usman said the security operatives engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, with at least 17 members of the group reportedly neutralised.
“Several of the attackers were neutralised, with at least 17 suspected bandits so far assessed to have been neutralised,” the police spokesman said.
He added that four motorcycles belonging to the suspected bandits were also destroyed during the operation.
However, the security forces suffered significant losses in the encounter, with 10 police officers killed and two others injured.
“We lost ten gallant Police personnel in the engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention,” Usman said.
The police spokesperson described the deceased officers as courageous personnel who died while defending residents of the state.
“Our fallen personnel fought with exceptional courage and professionalism in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the people and the State,” he said.
Usman assured that the officers’ sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“Their bravery, service and sacrifice will be duly honoured and will not be forgotten,” he added.
The command also confirmed that two civilians lost their lives during the confrontation.
According to Usman, the police were prioritising support for the families of the deceased, medical care for the injured and continued operations to track members of the bandit group who fled the scene.
“Our immediate priority remains supporting the affected families, caring for the wounded and sustaining follow-up operations against fleeing elements,” he said.
The command said it would provide additional information as investigations and assessments of the incident progressed.
“Further details will be communicated as they are verified,” Usman added.
