Ten police officers and two civilians were killed during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while 17 suspected bandits were neutralised.
The incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday along the Rafin Makuku axis, where security personnel reportedly intercepted the armed group moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman, the police said the operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
According to him, at least 17 suspected bandits were so far assessed to have been neutralised, although the figure remained subject to further verification.
He added that four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were burnt during the encounter.
Usman said the security forces suffered significant losses, with 10 police personnel killed and two others injured, adding that the injured officers were receiving medical treatment.
He described the deceased officers as gallant personnel who fought with courage and professionalism while defending the people and the state.
Two civilians also lost their lives during the confrontation, according to the police.
The command said its immediate priorities were to support the families of the deceased officers, care for the wounded and continue follow-up operations against fleeing members of the bandit group.
Usman assured residents that additional information would be released as the situation becomes clearer.
The Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the death of the 10 officers in a separate statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the officers, describing their deaths as a painful loss to both the Force and the nation.
The IGP said the officers paid the ultimate price while protecting the people they had sworn to defend and assured their families that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
The police added that the remains of the fallen officers had been moved to Birnin Kebbi, while the affected area had been brought under control.
Additional security personnel have also been deployed to reinforce ongoing operations and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.
The Force said it remains mindful of the pain suffered by the families of the deceased officers and pledged to continue efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.
