Police Mourn 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 officers were killed during an encounter with suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis on Monday.

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 died during the incident.

ALSO READ:

• Police Inspector Killed As Suspected Herdsmen Attack Checkpoint In Benue
• Niger Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Over Alleged Midnight Attack, Attempted Kidnap Of Two Women

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

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

Two police personnel were also injured and are currently receiving medical attention. Two civilians were killed during the engagement.

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

Disu described the incident as a loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the country, noting that the officers were killed while carrying out their duties to protect citizens.

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

The Force said additional personnel have been deployed to the area to sustain operations and pursue the fleeing suspected bandits.

The police also assured the families of the deceased and injured personnel of its continued support, while vowing to track down those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.