10 Police Officers Killed As Troops Clash With Bandits In Kebbi
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 10 police officers during a fierce encounter with a heavily armed group of suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Force in a statement on Tuesday, said the confrontation occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, along the Rafin Makuku axis, where police operatives intercepted the suspected bandits as they moved between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
According to the Force, the ensuing gun battle resulted in the neutralisation of at least 17 suspected bandits and the destruction of four motorcycles belonging to the criminal group.
However, the operation came at a heavy cost, with 10 police personnel killed in the line of duty and two others sustaining injuries. Two civilians were also killed during the encounter.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, expressed deep grief over the loss of the officers, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the Force and the nation.
The IGP commiserated with the families and loved ones of the fallen officers, saying they paid the ultimate price in the service of the country and in defence of the people they swore to protect.
He assured the bereaved families that the sacrifice of the fallen officers would never be forgotten and would continue to be honoured by the Nigeria Police Force.
The remains of the deceased officers have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the affected area has been brought under control.
The Force said security has been reinforced with the deployment of additional personnel to sustain operations in the area and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to supporting the families of the fallen officers and the injured personnel, while ensuring that the fleeing suspects are tracked down and brought to justice.
