The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the deaths of ten personnel, two civilians, and one vigilante member during a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The clash occurred on Monday, August 10, 2026, along the Rafin Makuku axis, with at least seventeen attackers neutralized.
Attack on Security Camp
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Tuesday, August 11, the incident began at about 6:00 am when a large group of armed bandits, numbering over 200 and riding on motorcycles, attacked a security camp at Makuku. The camp was occupied by personnel of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) Platoon 2 and Police Mobile Force (PMF) 48.
The bandits, estimated to be about 240 and travelling on more than 200 motorcycles, reportedly moved from the Sangeko Gap area of Dansadau District in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The police operatives intercepted them at approximately 9:25 am as they moved between Zamfara and Kebbi states.
Reinforcements and Exchange of Fire
On receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, immediately mobilised and deployed reinforcements, which were further supported by units of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force drawn from within Kebbi and Katsina States. A fierce exchange of gunfire lasting over two hours ensued between security forces and the attackers.
During the operation, the Force sadly lost ten personnel in the line of duty, while one vigilante member and two civilians also lost their lives in the attack. The remains of the fallen officers have been recovered and deposited at a mortuary in Birnin Kebbi. Next of kin are being duly notified, and further personal details are being withheld out of respect for the families at this time.
Bandit Casualties and Aftermath
The bandits suffered significant losses during the engagement, with at least seventeen attackers believed to have been neutralised and several of their motorcycles destroyed by security forces before they fled the area. Surviving accomplices were observed conveying the bodies away on motorcycles as they retreated.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the gallantry and sacrifice of the officers who repelled the attack. He assured the families that the sacrifice of the officers would not be forgotten and would continue to be honoured by the Nigeria Police Force. He also directed the immediate reinforcement of security architecture across Sakaba LGA and neighbouring communities to forestall further attacks.
Official Response and Public Appeal
The Nigeria Police Force extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the officers, the vigilante member, and the civilians who lost their lives, and assured them of full welfare support in line with Force policy. Members of the public are urged to remain calm and to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
The Force reaffirms its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country and will not relent in its operations against banditry and armed criminality.
