Seventeen armed bandits have been killed while 10 police officers lost their lives during a gun battle at Makuku village in Kebbi State.
The clash took place in Zuru Emirate, along the Kebbi-Zamfara border, after the bandits reportedly stormed the community with plans to attack residents and possibly abduct some of them.
The Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said the armed mobile police force moved into the area after receiving credible intelligence about the planned attack.
The officers subsequently engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle. According to Usman, at least 17 bandits were killed during the encounter, while several others sustained gunshot wounds and fled.
The operation, however, came at a heavy cost for the security forces. Ten police officers were killed during the confrontation. Also, several others sustained injuries and were taken to a health facility for treatment.
“Yes, there was a gunfight between our men and the bandits at Makuku village. Tragically, we lost 10 officers while we killed over 17 bandits,” Usman said.
The police spokesperson described the officers who died during the operation as personnel who had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He said they “did not die in vain”. He also assured that injured officers would receive the necessary medical attention and support.
The police have not provided further details on the number of bandits who escaped or whether any weapons were recovered.
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