Ten policemen and two civilians were killed while 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during a gun battle between security operatives and the armed group in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Tuesday that the incident occurred at about 9:25am on Monday along the Rafin Makuku axis, where security personnel intercepted the suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States.
The state police command said at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also burnt.
The statement was made available to our correspondent on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman.
Usman said the security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle, adding that the casualty figure on the side of the bandits remained subject to further verification.
“Several of the attackers were neutralised, with at least 17 suspected bandits so far assessed to have been neutralised,” he said.
He added that “four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also burnt during the encounter.”
According to him, the security forces suffered significant casualties, with 10 police personnel killed and two others injured and currently receiving medical attention.
“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 personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“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.
“Their bravery, service and sacrifice will be duly honoured and will not be forgotten,” he said.
Two civilians were also killed during the encounter, according to the police.
The command said its immediate priority was to support the families of the deceased officers, care for the wounded and continue follow-up operations against fleeing members of the bandit group.
“Our immediate priority remains supporting the affected families, caring for the wounded and sustaining follow-up operations against fleeing elements,” Usman said.
He assured the public that further details would be made available when the situation was fully assessed.
“Further details will be communicated as they are verified,” he added.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the death of 10 police personnel during an encounter with a heavily armed group of suspected bandits.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed deep grief over the loss of the officers, describing their deaths as “a painful loss to the Force and the nation.”
Disu said the fallen officers “paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect,” adding that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
He extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased officers and assured them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to honour their memory and provide necessary support to the bereaved families and injured personnel.
The police said the remains of the fallen officers had been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the affected area had been brought under control.
It added that additional security personnel had been deployed to the area to reinforce ongoing operations and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.
“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 sustain efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.
