Police confirm 10 officers killed in kebbi bandit attack

By Adebola Muili

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the death of 10 police officers during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The encounter occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, along the Rafin Makuku axis of the area, when police operatives intercepted a group of heavily armed suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, saying 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.

According to the statement, two other police officers sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention, while two civilians also lost their lives in the engagement.

Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed profound grief over the loss of the officers and extended his condolences to their families and loved ones.

The IGP described the deaths as “a painful loss to the Force and the nation”, noting that the officers paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect.

He assured the families of the fallen officers that their sacrifices would never be forgotten, adding that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to honour their memories.

Meanwhile, the police said the remains of the fallen officers had been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the area had been brought under control.

The Force said additional personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, sustain ongoing operations and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.

It also assured the bereaved families and the injured personnel of its continued support, stressing that efforts would be sustained to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to honouring the memory and sacrifice of the fallen officers through sustained operations against criminal elements.