Birnin kebbi: The Nigerian police force is mourning the loss of 10 officers who were killed in a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in the northwestern state of Kebbi. This deadly encounter took place on Monday in the Sakaba Local Government Area when police operatives intercepted a group of suspected bandits moving between Kebbi and the neighboring Zamfara state.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Nigeria Police Force reported that Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, confirmed that two other officers were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment. Iniedu stated, "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."

The police disclosed that 17 suspected bandits were killed during the clash, and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed. The confrontation occurred at approximately 9.25 pm (2025GMT) along the Rafin Makuku axis in Sakaba.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen officers, acknowledging their deaths as "a painful loss to the Force and the nation." He emphasized that the officers "paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect."

The bodies of the deceased officers have been transported to the state capital, Birnin Kebbi. The police have assured that the area has been brought under control, and additional personnel have been deployed to sustain operations and pursue the fleeing members of the criminal group.

This incident is a continuation of the ongoing violence involving armed gangs in Nigeria's northwestern states, particularly in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina. These regions have been plagued by bandit attacks, kidnappings, and raids on communities. The police have vowed to continue their operations to bring those responsible for the attack to justice.