Police mourn as 10 officers killed in gun battle with bandits in Kebbi

The Nigeria Police Force has mourned 10 officers killed during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Force also vowed to intensify efforts to track down members of the criminal group who fled the scene of the encounter.

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

According to the police, the confrontation occurred at about 9:25 a.m. after operatives intercepted suspected bandits travelling between Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The Force said 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles reportedly belonging to the attackers were destroyed.

Two police officers also sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment, while two civilians were killed during the engagement.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed grief over the deaths and extended his condolences to the families of the fallen officers.

Disu described the incident as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the country, noting that the officers died while performing their duty of protecting citizens.

The remains of the 10 officers have been taken to Birnin Kebbi, while the police said the affected area had been brought under control.

The Force added that additional personnel had been deployed to the area to maintain security and pursue the fleeing suspects.

The police assured the families of the deceased and injured officers of continued support, while promising to ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.