Ten police officers, two civilians die in Kebbi clash with bandits

Ten policemen and two civilians lost their lives during a gun battle against suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The clash also resulted in the neutralization of 17 suspected bandits.

On Tuesday, PUNCH Metro learned that the incident happened around 9:25 am on Monday along the Rafin Makuku axis, where security forces confronted bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States.

The police command in the state reported that at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralized during the encounter. They also stated that four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were burned.

Bashir Usman, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, provided this information on Tuesday. He noted that the security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle. Usman mentioned that the final number of casualties among the bandits still needed to be verified.

“Several of the attackers were neutralized, with at least 17 suspected bandits so far assessed to have been neutralized,” he said.

He continued, “Four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also burnt during the encounter.”

The police command said the situation was serious, with 10 officers killed and two others injured, now receiving medical care.

“We lost ten gallant police personnel in the engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention,” Usman said.

He described the fallen officers as brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving.

“Our fallen personnel fought with exceptional courage and professionalism in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the people and the State. Their bravery, service and sacrifice will be duly honored and will not be forgotten,” he added.

Two civilians also died in the encounter, according to the police report.

The command emphasized that they are prioritizing support for the families of the deceased officers, caring for the injured, and continuing operations against the fleeing bandits.

“Our immediate priority remains supporting the affected families, caring for the wounded and sustaining follow-up operations against fleeing elements,” Usman stated.

He assured the public that more details would be shared once the situation was fully assessed.

“Further details will be communicated as they are verified,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the deaths of 10 police personnel during the encounter with heavily armed bandits. Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, released a statement on Tuesday.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the officers. He described their deaths as “a painful loss to the Force and the nation.”

Disu noted that the fallen officers “paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect,” promising that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.

He extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased officers. Disu assured them that the Nigeria Police Force would honor their memory and provide necessary support to the families of the deceased and injured personnel.

The police reported that the remains of the fallen officers have been taken to Birnin Kebbi. The affected area has been secured, and additional security personnel have been deployed to strengthen ongoing operations and track down fleeing bandits.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains deeply mindful of the pain and loss suffered by the families of the fallen officers,” the statement said, stressing that the Force would continue to pursue justice for the fleeing suspects.