Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has vowed that the Nigeria Police Force will remain committed to protecting lives and property despite the killing of 10 officers by suspected bandits in Kebbi State.
Disu made the pledge on Monday in Abuja during a memorial parade for the officers of the Police Special Intervention Squad who were killed during a confrontation with suspected bandits on August 10.
The IG said the officers intercepted a heavily armed group reportedly moving from Kebbi towards Zamfara and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“The officers fought with courage and determination in defence of the people and the nation during the ensuing engagement.
“Tragically, 10 of our personnel loss their lives, two others sustained injuries while two civilians also loss their lives.
“The sacrifice of our men however, was not in vain because at least 17 of the suspected bandits were neutralised and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers, destroyed.”
Disu said the fallen officers died while carrying out their constitutional duty to serve, protect and defend Nigerians.
“Today we gather with heavy hearts, but with immense pride, to honour 10 gallant officers of the NPF.
“Let me assure Nigerians that the NPF remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property,” he said.
The police chief said the force would continue collaborating with the military, other security agencies, state governments and local communities to confront banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.
He also assured the families of the deceased officers that they would not be abandoned.
“We shall not be intimidated, relent and not allow the sacrifice of our fallen heroes to be in vain.
“Behind every fallen officer is a family that has lost a husband, father, son, brother and loved one.
“To the families of our fallen heroes, I extend, on behalf of the Nigerian Police Force, my deepest condolences.
“We grieve with you, we stand with you and we will not abandon you.
“The force remains committed to supporting you and ensuring that the sacrifice of your loved ones is never forgotten”.
Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, also praised the officers for holding their positions during the attack.
Shogunle said subsequent assessments indicated that more bodies of suspected terrorists were recovered from the area. He added that residents had recently reported seeing vultures around a location where 25 bodies were found.
According to him, the battle damage assessment suggested that the number of terrorists killed was significantly higher, reinforcing the officers’ decision to remain at their posts during the encounter.
