Ten policemen and two civilians were killed during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday along the Rafin Makuku axis, where security personnel intercepted the suspected bandits reportedly moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The Kebbi State Police Command said at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also burnt.

The command's spokesperson, Bashir Usman, who disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, said the casualty figure on the side of the bandits remained subject to further verification.

“Several of the attackers were neutralised, with at least 17 suspected bandits so far assessed to have been neutralised,” Usman said.

He added that “four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also burnt during the encounter.”

According to him, the security forces suffered significant casualties, with 10 police personnel killed and two others injured.

“We lost ten gallant Police personnel in the engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention,” he said.

Usman described the deceased officers as brave personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

“Our fallen personnel fought with exceptional courage and professionalism in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the people and the State,” he said.

He added that their bravery, service and sacrifice would be duly honoured and would not be forgotten.

The command said its immediate priority was to support the families of the deceased officers, care for the wounded and continue follow-up operations against fleeing members of the bandit group.

“Our immediate priority remains supporting the affected families, caring for the wounded and sustaining follow-up operations against fleeing elements,” Usman said.

He assured the public that further details would be made available as the situation was fully assessed.

Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the death of 10 police personnel during the encounter with the heavily armed group.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed deep grief over the loss of the officers, describing their deaths as “a painful loss to the Force and the nation.”

Disu said the fallen officers “paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect,” adding that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.

He extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased officers and assured them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to honour their memory and provide necessary support to the bereaved families and injured personnel.

The police said the remains of the fallen officers had been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the affected area had been brought under control.

It added that additional security personnel had been deployed to reinforce ongoing operations and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains deeply mindful of the pain and loss suffered by the families of the fallen officers,” the statement said, stressing that the Force would sustain efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.