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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

10 police, two civilians killed as security forces neutralize 17 bandits in Kebbi

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • A fierce gun battle in Kebbi State, Nigeria, resulted in the deaths of 10 police officers and two civilians.
  • Security operatives neutralized 17 suspected bandits during the encounter.
  • The police command is prioritizing support for the families of the deceased and pursuing fleeing members of the bandit group.

A violent confrontation in Kebbi State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of ten police officers and two civilians, while security forces neutralized 17 suspected bandits. The intense gun battle occurred on Monday morning along the Rafin Makuku axis in Sakaba Local Government Area, as security personnel intercepted the armed group moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States.

We lost ten gallant Police personnel in the engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. 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.

— Bashir UsmanSpokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, detailing the casualties and honoring the fallen officers after a gun battle with bandits.

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the casualties, stating that four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also destroyed. Bashir Usman, the command's spokesperson, reported that the security forces suffered significant losses, with ten police personnel killed and two others injured and receiving medical attention. He described the fallen officers as brave individuals who made the "ultimate sacrifice in defense of the people and the State."

Several of the attackers were neutralised, with at least 17 suspected bandits so far assessed to have been neutralised. Four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also burnt during the encounter.

— Bashir UsmanSpokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, reporting on the neutralization of bandits and seized items during the operation.

Usman assured that the bravery and sacrifice of the deceased officers would be honored and remembered. The police command's immediate priorities include providing support to the families of the fallen officers, caring for the wounded, and continuing follow-up operations against any fleeing members of the bandit group. Further details will be released as they are verified.

Our immediate priority remains supporting the affected families, caring for the wounded and sustaining follow-up operations against fleeing elements. Further details will be communicated as they are verified.

— Bashir UsmanSpokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, outlining the next steps following the deadly encounter with bandits.

The Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the deaths of the ten officers, with Inspector-General Olatunji Disu expressing deep grief over the "painful loss to the Force and the nation."

a painful loss to the Force and the nation

— Olatunji DisuInspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, expressing grief over the death of 10 police personnel during an encounter with bandits.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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