The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 10 police officers during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The confrontation occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, along the Rafin Makuku axis, when police operatives reportedly intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said 17 suspected bandits were killed during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.

The Force, however, suffered heavy casualties, with 10 personnel killed and two others injured. Two civilians were also reportedly killed during the clash.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed deep grief over the deaths of the officers and commiserated with their families and loved ones.

Disu described the incident as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the country, saying the officers paid the ultimate price while carrying out their duty to protect citizens.

He assured the families of the deceased personnel that their sacrifices would not be forgotten and would continue to be honoured by the Force.

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

Additional security personnel have also been deployed to reinforce the area and sustain operations aimed at tracking and apprehending fleeing members of the criminal group.

The Force assured the families of the deceased and injured personnel of continued support, while vowing to intensify efforts to arrest those responsible for the attack.

The Nigeria Police Force further reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations against banditry and other criminal activities across Kebbi and neighbouring areas.