Kebbi Bandit Attack: Police Honour 10 Fallen Officers as IGP Vows Relentless Pursuit
The Nigeria Police Force has honoured 10 officers of its Special Intervention Squad (SIS) who were killed during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Kebbi State, with Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu promising to intensify operations against those responsible.
The officers were remembered during a memorial parade at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, August 24, days after they were killed during an encounter with a heavily armed group along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area.
10 Officers Killed in Kebbi Gun Battle
The confrontation took place on August 10, when police operatives intercepted suspected bandits reportedly moving between Kebbi and neighbouring Zamfara State.
According to the police, the ensuing exchange of gunfire resulted in the deaths of 10 officers, while two other police personnel were injured. Two civilians were also killed during the engagement.
Police said the operation inflicted significant losses on the attackers. At least 17 suspected bandits were reportedly neutralised, while four motorcycles belonging to the group were destroyed.
The fallen officers were members of the Special Intervention Squad, a tactical unit deployed to respond to serious security threats.
IGP: Police Will Not Back Down
Speaking at the memorial, IGP Olatunji Disu described the officers as gallant personnel who died while carrying out their duty to protect lives and property.
Disu vowed that the police would not be intimidated by the attack and would continue pursuing those responsible.
“We shall not be intimidated, we shall not relent,” the IGP said, stressing that the sacrifice of the fallen officers would not be allowed to go in vain.
He also assured the families of the deceased that the police would continue to support them.
The IGP said the Force would work alongside the military, other security agencies, state governments and local communities to strengthen operations against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Police Step Up Operations in Sakaba
Following the attack, the Nigeria Police Force ordered stronger security measures in Sakaba and surrounding communities.
Additional personnel were deployed to the area, while intelligence and operational resources were directed toward identifying and tracking fleeing members of the criminal group.
The police have also pledged continued cooperation with the Kebbi State Government and other security agencies to prevent armed groups from establishing safe havens in the area.
Families Call for Continued Support
The memorial also highlighted the personal cost paid by security personnel fighting armed groups across Nigeria.
Family members of the fallen officers thanked the police leadership and Nigerians for their support but appealed for continued assistance, particularly for the families left behind.
At the ceremony, the daughter of one of the deceased officers urged authorities not to abandon the bereaved families and called for sustained support through the police welfare system.
Kebbi Attack Highlights North-West Security Challenge
The deadly confrontation underscores the continuing security challenges facing communities across Nigeria’s north-west.
Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and neighbouring states have experienced repeated attacks involving armed groups, including raids, kidnappings and deadly clashes with security forces.
For the Nigeria Police Force, the latest memorial is both a tribute to the 10 officers who died and a renewed declaration that operations against the armed groups will continue.
With additional security personnel deployed and intelligence-led operations being intensified, authorities say their immediate priority is to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent further violence against communities and security personnel.
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