The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 police officers were killed during a gun battle with armed bandits in Makuku village, Zuru Emirate, along the Kebbi-Zamfara border.
The command also reported that at least 17 bandits were killed, while several others sustained injuries during the encounter.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the bandits had invaded the community with the intention of attacking residents and possibly abducting some of them.
According to him, armed mobile police officers, acting on credible intelligence, immediately moved to the area and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Usman said the confrontation resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with 10 police personnel killed and several others injured.
“Yes, there was a gunfight between our men and bandits at Makuku village and, tragically, we lost 10 officers while we killed over 17 bandits,” Usman said.
He added that the injured officers had been taken to a medical facility where they were receiving treatment.
The police spokesman paid tribute to the officers who died while carrying out their duties, describing their sacrifice as one that would not be forgotten.
Usman also assured that the injured personnel would receive appropriate medical care and support.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents across the state and intensifying efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminal activity.