Nigeria Police Force mourns the loss of ten police personnel killed in the line of duty during a fierce battle with heavily armed bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State.In an official statement issued on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu confirmed that the fallen officers paid the ultimate price while intercepting criminal elements moving along the inter-state corridor.
How did police operatives engage bandits along the Kebbi-Zamfara border?
The deadly confrontation occurred at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, when tactical police units intercepted a large group of suspected bandits attempting to cross between Zamfara and Kebbi states.Operatives immediately engaged the armed group, neutralizing at least 17 suspected bandits and destroying four operational motorcycles belonging to the attackers.However, the intense firefight resulted in the deaths of ten police personnel and two civilians, while two other officers suffered severe injuries and were rushed for emergency medical treatment.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu expressed profound grief over the tragedy, extending deep condolences to the bereaved families and describing the deaths as a painful loss to both the Force and the nation. The police chief assured that the sacrifices of the fallen officers would be permanently honored, promising that the Nigeria Police Force would provide full welfare support to their dependents while continuing operations to bring all fleeing members of the syndicate to justice.
“They paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten and will continue to be honoured by the Nigeria Police Force.”
Following the engagement, the remains of the fallen officers were conveyed to the state capital in Birnin Kebbi, while joint security teams brought the Rafin Makuku axis back under control.Security has been significantly reinforced across Sakaba Local Government Area, with additional tactical units deployed to track down fleeing criminal elements. Will enhanced inter-state border patrols effectively prevent armed bandit syndicates from conducting cross-border raids along the Zamfara-Kebbi corridor?
