The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 10 police officers during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, the officers were killed on Monday, August 10, 2026, during an encounter with a heavily armed group of suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba LGA.
The police said the confrontation began at about 9:25 a.m. after operatives intercepted the suspected criminals, who were reportedly moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
At least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.
Two other police officers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention, while two civilians were also killed during the confrontation.
Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the officers and extended his condolences to their families and colleagues.
The IGP described the fallen personnel as officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty while protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
He assured the bereaved families that the sacrifices of the deceased officers would not be forgotten and would continue to be honoured by the Force.
The remains of the fallen officers have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the police said the area has been brought under control.
Additional security personnel have also been deployed to reinforce ongoing operations and track down members of the criminal group who fled the scene.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to support the families of the deceased officers and those injured, while sustaining operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
