Ten police officers have been killed and two others injured following an encounter with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, when police operatives reportedly intercepted a group of armed men moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states along the Rafin Makuku axis.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the ensuing gun battle resulted in the reported neutralisation of 17 suspected bandits, while four motorcycles allegedly belonging to the attackers were destroyed.
Two civilians were also reportedly killed during the encounter.
The police, however, suffered significant casualties, with 10 personnel killed and two others injured. The wounded officers are currently receiving medical attention.
Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed grief over the deaths and commiserated with the families, colleagues and loved ones of the fallen officers.
Disu described the loss as painful to the Force and the nation, saying the officers died while carrying out their responsibility of protecting lives and property.
He assured the families of the deceased personnel that their sacrifices would not be forgotten and pledged the continued support of the Force.
The remains of the fallen officers have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while security operations have been intensified in the affected area.
The police said additional personnel have been deployed to maintain security and track fleeing members of the criminal group.
The Force also assured the injured officers and bereaved families of its support, while reaffirming its determination to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
