Kebbi govt confirms killing of 10 police officers during gun battle with terrorists

Kebbi State Government has confirmed the killing of 10 police officers and other victims in a terrorist attack along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as most unfortunate.

The Governor of the state, Nasir Idris, confirmed the incident and described the tragic loss of the officers as a painful and heartbreaking sacrifice made in the service of the nation while confronting the terrorists, 17 of whom were also killed.

According to the governor, the 10 police officers died while defending the lives and property of citizens of the state and protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

He spoke at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, when a high-powered delegation from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Umar Dada, paid a condolence visit to him.

A statement by Malam Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said his principal assured the bereaved families of sustained government support.

He commiserated with the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the families of the fallen officers, and the people of Kebbi State over the devastating incident.

The governor said the officers were deployed to the area as part of the coordinated efforts of security agencies to confront terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening the peace and security of Kebbi State.

He stressed that the sacrifice of security personnel who paid the supreme price in the line of duty would never be forgotten, assuring the affected families that the Kebbi State Government would provide the necessary intervention and support.

“I want to condole the IGP and the entire Nigeria Police Force over the sudden death of these officers.

“It is our tradition in Kebbi to support the families of fallen security personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.

“The Kebbi State Government will come to the aid of the families of the officers who lost their lives,” he stated.

Governor Idris further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the collective effort to protect communities and restore lasting peace across the state.

Earlier, DIG Umar Dada conveyed the condolences of the Inspector-General of Police to Governor Idris, the people of Kebbi State, and the families of the fallen officers.

The DIG assured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force would intensify efforts to identify, track down, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the deadly attack.

He assured that the police would not relent in their efforts until all those responsible for the attack were arrested and faced the wrath of the law.

DIG Dada commended the Kebbi State Government for its sustained support and cooperation with the police and other security agencies operating in the state, describing such partnership as critical to the success of ongoing security operations.

He also disclosed that a police squadron would soon be established in Kebbi State as part of measures to strengthen police presence, boost operational capacity, and enhance the protection of lives and property across the state.

The delegation’s visit followed the killing of the 10 police officers and other persons during a gun battle with terrorists along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area.

Governor Idris reiterated that the Kebbi State Government would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to strengthen security, protect vulnerable communities, support security personnel, and ensure that perpetrators of terrorism and other criminal acts were brought to justice.