Ten police personnel and two civilians have been killed in a fierce gun battle with heavily armed terrorists in Kebbi State, with the Nigeria Police Force confirming that at least 17 of the attackers were also killed during the encounter.
The clash occurred along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area on Monday, August 10, 2026, as police operatives intercepted suspected terrorists moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, said the confrontation began at about 9:25 a.m.
According to the police, the operatives engaged the terrorists in a gun duel in which 17 members of the armed group were killed and four motorcycles belonging to them destroyed.
The Force, however, suffered significant casualties during the encounter.
“Tragically, ten Police personnel lost their lives in the encounter, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. Two civilians also lost their lives during the engagement,” Iniedu said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed profound grief over the deaths of the officers and extended his condolences to their families and loved ones.
Disu described the killing of the personnel as a painful loss to both the Nigeria Police Force and the country, saying the officers paid the ultimate price while carrying out their responsibility of protecting Nigerians.
The IGP assured their families that the sacrifice of the fallen personnel would not be forgotten and that the Force would continue to honour their service.
The police said the remains of the officers had been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the two injured personnel were receiving medical attention.
Following the attack, additional security personnel were deployed to the affected area as authorities intensified operations against members of the terrorist group who escaped from the scene.
“The remains of the fallen officers have been conveyed to Birnin Kebbi, while the area has been brought under control. Security has been reinforced, with additional personnel deployed to sustain operations and pursue fleeing elements of the criminal group,” the Force said.
The police also pledged continued assistance to the families of the deceased officers and those injured in the confrontation.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains deeply mindful of the pain and loss suffered by the families of the fallen officers. The Force will continue to stand with the bereaved families, provide every necessary support to them and the injured personnel, while honouring the memory and sacrifice of our fallen heroes through sustained efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice,” the statement added.
The latest confrontation underscores the continuing security challenge around communities bordering Kebbi and Zamfara states, where armed groups have exploited difficult terrain and interstate routes for movement.
Police authorities said operations would be sustained in the area to track down the fleeing terrorists and prevent further attacks.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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