NPF Mourns 10 Officers Killed in Kebbi Gun Battle, 17 Suspected Bandits Neutralised

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 10 police officers following a fierce encounter with a heavily armed group of suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The confrontation occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, along the Rafin Makuku axis, after police operatives intercepted suspected bandits reportedly moving between Kebbi and Zamfara states. 

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the encounter resulted in the neutralisation of at least 17 suspected bandits, while four motorcycles belonging to the criminal group were destroyed.

However, the police also suffered significant casualties, with 10 personnel killed and two others injured during the gun battle. Two civilians were also reported killed in the engagement. 

IGP Mourns Fallen Officers

Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan-Disu, expressed profound grief over the loss of the officers.

The IGP described their deaths as a painful loss to both the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, noting that the personnel paid the ultimate price while carrying out their constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens.

Disu extended condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

He also pledged continued support for the families of the fallen personnel and the injured officers.

Police Launch Pursuit of Fleeing Bandits

The police said the situation in the affected area has been brought under control following the encounter.

Additional security personnel have subsequently been deployed to the area to sustain operations and pursue members of the criminal group who fled following the confrontation.

The Force said it remained committed to bringing those responsible for the attack to justice and would continue operations aimed at protecting communities in the affected areas. 

The remains of the fallen officers have reportedly been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi.

Another Setback in Fight Against Banditry

The incident highlights the continuing security challenges confronting communities across north-western Nigeria, particularly areas bordering states where criminal groups operate across local government and state boundaries.

The police encounter also underscores the risks faced by security personnel deployed to confront heavily armed criminal groups.

While the reported neutralisation of 17 suspected bandits represents a significant operational gain for the security forces, the loss of 10 police personnel and two civilians underscores the heavy human cost of the ongoing fight against banditry.

The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to sustain operations in the area and pursue the fleeing suspects while honouring the memory of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.