10 police officers, 17 suspected bandits killed in Kebbi clash

On Monday, a clash erupted between 10 police officers and 17 suspected bandits in the Rafin Makuku area of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State. Two civilians also lost their lives in the violent encounter. The police confirmed that the armed group consisted of approximately 240 bandits traveling on over 200 motorcycles. The bandits reportedly originated from the Sangeko Gap area of Dansadau District in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The bandits divided into three groups and camped in a forest between Kakihum and Makuku for the night before moving towards Maburya on Monday morning. As they attempted to enter the community, they clashed with a mobile police checkpoint. According to a resident of Makuku, Malam Musa Sani, the attackers overpowered the officers, killing 10 mobile policemen and two civilians. They reportedly stole the officers' rifles.

Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Bashir Usman, confirmed the clash and stated that 17 suspected bandits had been neutralized. He added that four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were burnt during the operation. Four police officers sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. Usman described the deceased officers as brave personnel who fought with courage and professionalism.

The police spokesperson emphasized that the command would support the families of the deceased officers, treat the injured, and continue their operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The incident resulted in a total of 10 police officers and 17 suspected bandits losing their lives.