By Florencemary Nwabueze
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the deaths of 10 officers who lost their lives in a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in Kebbi State, while also announcing that at least 17 of the attackers were neutralised in the encounter.
According to the force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedo on tuesday, the incident occurred along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area on Monday, August 10, 2026, when police operatives intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States.
"The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the loss of ten gallant Police personnel during an encounter with a heavily armed group of suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
"At about 0925hrs on Monday, 10th August, 2026, Police operatives intercepted and engaged the suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States. At least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.
"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 fallen officers are identified as ASP Bala Buba, 43; Inspector Saminu Sulaiman, 40; Inspector Solomon Jatau, 39; Inspector Ayuba Hassain, 38; Inspector Umar Yahuza, 37; Inspector Auwal Sani, 38; Sergeant Jimoh Momo, 35; Corporal Ukpong Otrukmj, 34; Inspector Adamu Abdullahi, 35; and Inspector Abdullahi Magaji, 43.
All 10 officers were members of the 44 Police Mobile Force, Abuja, serving on special assignment in Kebbi State at the time of the attack.
The violence also claimed the lives of two civilians identified as 50-year-old Mohammadu Magwawara and 45-year-old Muhammadu Tiritiri. A third civilian, Shehu Abubakar, 41, reportedly suffered serious gunshot injuries.
Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the loss as "a painful loss to the Force and the nation," noting that the fallen officers paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect.
"The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, expressed profound grief over the loss and extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen officers. The IGP described their death as a painful loss to the Force and the nation, noting that they paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect. He assured the families that their sacrifice will never be forgotten and will continue to be honoured by the Nigeria Police Force.
The force further noted that the remains of the officers has been sent to General Hospital Dirin Daji, Benin Kebbi and the area brought under control.
"The remains of the fallen officers have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the area has been brought under control. Security has been reinforced, with additional personnel deployed to sustain operations and pursue fleeing elements of the criminal group."
IGP Disu also extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased officers, pledged to continue standing with the them and provide necessary support to them and the injured personnel.
"The Nigeria Police Force remains deeply mindful of the pain and loss suffered by the families of the fallen officers. The Force will continue to stand with the bereaved families, provide every necessary support to them and the injured personnel, while honouring the memory and sacrifice of our fallen heroes through sustained efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice."