Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 police officers were killed during a deadly gun battle with armed bandits in Makuku village, Zuru Emirate, near the Kebbi-Zamfara border.
Police said the confrontation also left at least 17 bandits dead, while several others escaped with injuries.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to him, the bandits had invaded the community with plans to attack residents and carry out abductions before security operatives responded.
Usman said armed mobile police personnel were deployed to the area after receiving credible intelligence about the attackers’ movement.
The officers subsequently engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire, resulting in casualties on both sides.
“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 several police officers sustained injuries during the operation and are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
The police spokesperson praised the fallen officers for their service and sacrifice in the line of duty.
He also assured that injured personnel would receive the necessary medical care and support as efforts continue to tackle banditry in the area.
