The Police killed 17 bandits, but lost 10 officers in a gunbattle in Kebbi State. The Police authorities, accordingly, confirmed the death of 10 police officers during an encounter with bandits along the Rafin Makuku corridor of Sakaba Local Government Area, Kebbi State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, in a statement, narrated that the police operatives engaged the heavily armed bandits at about 9:25am on Monday, while they were moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of at least 17 suspected bandits and the destruction of four motorcycles.

The police said two other officers were injured and are receiving medical attention, while two civilians also lost their lives during the encounter.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed grief over the loss and commiserated with the families of the fallen officers.

The remains of the officers have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while additional security personnel have been deployed to the area to sustain operations and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.

The Force said it will continue to support the bereaved families and injured personnel while working to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.