Ten policemen were killed on Monday when security operatives engaged a heavily armed group of suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis in Sakaba Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
The deadly encounter, according to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), also resulted in the deaths of 17 suspected bandits and the destruction of four motorcycles belonging to the attackers.
Two civilians were also killed during the confrontation, while two police personnel sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the confrontation occurred at about 9:25 am on Monday when police operatives intercepted the suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
The engagement reportedly resulted in heavy casualties among the criminal group, with 17 suspects neutralised.
However, the police also suffered a major setback, losing 10 personnel in the line of duty.
Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu expressed profound grief over the officers’ deaths and described their sacrifice as a painful loss to the Force and the nation.
Disu commiserated with the families and loved ones of the fallen personnel, assuring them that the officers would not be forgotten.
According to him, the deceased officers paid the ultimate price while defending Nigerians and protecting communities from armed criminal elements.
The IGP assured the bereaved families that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to support them and provide necessary assistance to the injured personnel.
The remains of the fallen officers have since been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi for further arrangements.
Following the encounter, the police said the affected area had been brought under control, with additional security personnel deployed to reinforce the operation.
The reinforcement, according to the Force, is aimed at sustaining the ongoing operation and pursuing fleeing members of the criminal group.
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The latest incident adds to the growing security challenges confronting communities along the northwestern axis, particularly areas bordering Zamfara and Kebbi states, which have witnessed persistent attacks by armed criminal groups.
The police said operations would continue until the fleeing suspects are brought to justice.
The Force also acknowledged the pain endured by the families of the deceased officers and promised to stand by them and provide the necessary support.
The NPF urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to assist ongoing efforts to track down fleeing criminal elements and prevent further attacks.