The Nigeria Police Force has killed 17 suspected bandits but lost 10 of its personnel during a gun battle with the heavily armed criminals in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The clash occurred at about 9:25am on Monday, when police operatives intercepted the suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, four motorcycles belonging to the bandits were also destroyed during the encounter.
However, 10 police personnel were killed in the operation, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.
Two civilians were also killed during the engagement.
Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed profound grief over the loss of the officers and condoled with their families and loved ones.
Disu described the death of the personnel as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, noting that they paid the ultimate price while defending the people they swore to protect.
The IGP assured the families of the fallen officers that their sacrifices would never be forgotten, adding that the Force would continue to honour their memory.
The remains of the deceased officers have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the affected area has been brought under control.
The police said additional personnel had been deployed to reinforce security operations in the area and pursue fleeing members of the criminal group.
The Force further assured the bereaved families and injured personnel of its continued support, stressing that operations would be sustained until the fleeing suspects were brought to justice.
The police spokesman said the Force remained committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to intensify operations against banditry and other criminal activities across the country.