Police mourn 10 officers killed in Kebbi bandit clash

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The Nigeria Police Force has mourned 10 officers killed in the line of duty during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, vowing to sustain operations to bring the fleeing attackers to justice.n

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The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, following the earlier confirmation by the Kebbi State Police Command that 10 personnel and two civilians were killed during the encounter along the Rafin Makuku axis on Monday.

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The clash occurred at about 9:25 am when police operatives intercepted the suspected bandits, who were moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states, according to the NPF.

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The Force said at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed. The Kebbi State Police Command had earlier confirmed the same figures.

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“Tragically, ten Police personnel lost their lives in the encounter, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. Two civilians also lost their lives during the engagement,” Iniedu said.

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed profound grief over the loss and condoled with the families and loved ones of the fallen officers.

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The IGP described their deaths as “a painful loss to the Force and the nation,” noting that they “paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect.”

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He assured the families that the sacrifice of the officers would not be forgotten and would continue to be honoured by the Nigeria Police Force.

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The remains of the fallen personnel have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the police said the affected area had been brought under control.

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The Force added that additional personnel had been deployed to sustain operations and pursue the fleeing members of the criminal group.

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It also assured the bereaved families and injured personnel of its continued support, saying it would honour the memory of the fallen officers by sustaining efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

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