10 police officers, 17 suspected bandits killed in Kebbi clash
Clash in Kebbi State Leaves 27 Dead, Including Police Officers and Civilians
Kebbi State, Nigeria — A violent confrontation between security personnel and a large group of armed individuals resulted in the deaths of 17 suspected bandits and 10 police officers on Monday. The altercation occurred near the Rafin Makuku area of the Sakaba Local Government Area as the armed group was reportedly traveling from Zamfara State toward Kebbi State.
According to police reports, two civilians were also killed in the clash. Eyewitnesses indicated that the group consisted of approximately 240 bandits, who were seen operating more than 200 motorcycles. These individuals are believed to have originated from the Sangeko Gap area of Dansadau District in Zamfara State.
A local resident, Malam Musa Sani, recounted that the armed group divided into three factions and spent the night in a nearby forest before advancing toward Maburya on Monday morning. He stated that the bandits encountered a mobile police checkpoint while attempting to access the community and surpassed the officers’ defenses.
“The bandits killed 10 mobile policemen and two civilians and seized their rifles,” Sani claimed.
DSP Bashir Usman, spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating that 17 suspected bandits had been neutralized during the confrontation.
“Our officers intercepted and engaged a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States along the Rafin Makuku axis,” Usman stated. He added that four motorcycles used by the attackers were destroyed during the encounter, though he noted that the casualty figures remained under verification.
“Tragically, we lost 10 brave police personnel in this engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. Two civilians also lost their lives during this incident,” Usman said.
He praised the officers who perished in the operation for their bravery and professionalism in the line of duty. Usman further stated that the police command is committed to supporting the families of the fallen officers, providing care for the injured, and continuing efforts to locate the remaining suspects.
