Police Mourns 10 Officers Killed In Kebbi, Hails Fallen Heroes’ Patriotism

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has mourned 10 of its personnel killed in the line of duty during an encounter with suspected bandits in Kebbi State, describing the fallen officers as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.

The officers were killed on Monday when police operatives engaged a heavily armed group of suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of the state.

At about 9:25am, the operatives intercepted the suspected bandits who were reportedly moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states, leading to a fierce encounter in which at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised.

Four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also destroyed during the operation.
However, the police suffered a heavy loss, with 10 personnel killed and two others sustaining injuries.

Two civilians also lost their lives during the engagement.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed profound grief over the death of the officers and condoled with their families, describing their sacrifice as a painful loss to the Force and the nation.

The IGP said the fallen personnel “paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect,” assuring their families that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

He said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to honour the memory of the officers and stand by their families at a time of profound grief.

The remains of the fallen personnel have since been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the area has been brought under control by security forces.

Additional personnel have also been deployed to the area to reinforce security operations and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the police remained conscious of the pain being suffered by the families of the deceased officers.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains deeply mindful of the pain and loss suffered by the families of the fallen officers,” Iniedu said.

He added that the Force would provide the necessary support to the bereaved families and the injured personnel, while ensuring that the sacrifice of the fallen officers was not in vain.

“The Force will continue to stand with the bereaved families, provide every necessary support to them and the injured personnel, while honouring the memory and sacrifice of our fallen heroes through sustained efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice,” he said.

The latest loss once again underscores the dangers faced by police personnel and other security operatives in the frontline of Nigeria’s fight against banditry and other violent crimes.

For the families of the 10 officers, however, the operation has left a painful reminder of the price their loved ones paid in the service of their country, even as the Force vows to ensure that their courage and patriotism are remembered.