Seventeen bandits and ten police officers lost their lives on Monday during a fierce gun battle in Kebbi State. Security forces intercepted a large band of armed men who were crossing from Zamfara into Kebbi along the Rafin Makuku axis in Sakaba Local Government Area.
The bandits, believed to number around 240 and riding more than 200 motorcycles, had moved from the Sangeko Gap area of Dansadau District in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. They had spent the night camped in a forest between Kakihum and Makuku before heading toward Maburya the following morning.
Residents said the bandits ran into a mobile police checkpoint while trying to enter the community and overpowered the officers. Two civilians were also killed in the exchange, and the attackers made off with several rifles. Four of the bandits’ motorcycles were later burnt during the operation.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Bashir Usman. He stated that 17 suspected bandits have so far been confirmed neutralized in the clash. The command lost ten officers, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Usman described the fallen officers as gallant personnel who displayed courage and professionalism. He noted that the command’s immediate focus is on supporting the affected families, caring for the wounded officers, and continuing operations against any bandits still at large.
