By Abdullahi Tukur
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the death of 10 police officers and two civilians following a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of the state.
The command also confirmed that at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were reportedly burnt.
The incident occurred after security operatives intercepted a large group of armed men moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
Police Intercept Suspected Bandits
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said the operatives engaged the heavily armed group in a fierce gun battle along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area.
According to the police statement made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, several of the attackers were neutralised during the confrontation.
The command said at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also destroyed in the operation.
However, the police noted that the casualty figures remained subject to further verification as security operations continued in the area.
10 Police Officers, Two Civilians Killed
The fierce encounter also resulted in the death of 10 police officers and two civilians, according to the Kebbi State Police Command.
The development has reportedly thrown Makuku Ward and the wider Sakaba Local Government Area into mourning, with residents calling for prayers and government support for the families of those who lost their loved ones.
A resident of Makuku village, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the area witnessed a heavy exchange of gunfire during the incident.
Police Pursue Fleeing Bandits
SP Bashir Usman said the immediate priority of the command was to support the families of the victims, attend to the wounded and sustain operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing attackers.
Security operations are continuing in the affected border area as authorities intensify efforts to locate the remaining members of the bandit group.
The police command said its operatives remain focused on preventing the fleeing suspects from regrouping and ensuring the safety of residents in communities across the area.
The incident has further raised concerns over security along the Kebbi-Zamfara border communities, where residents continue to face threats from armed groups.
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