Sani Dutsinma
Ten police officers and two civilians have been killed during a fierce gun battle between security operatives and suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
According to the police spokesman, operatives intercepted a large group of armed bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states before engaging them in a gun battle along the Rafin Makuku axis.
SP Usman said several of the suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, with at least 17 reported killed.
He added that four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also burnt during the confrontation, while noting that the casualty figures remained subject to further verification.
The police spokesman said the Command’s immediate priorities were to support the families of the victims, provide care for the wounded and intensify efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the bandit group.
A resident of Makuku village, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that heavy gunfire was heard in the area during the encounter.
The resident said the incident had thrown Makuku Ward and the wider Sakaba Local Government Area into mourning, with residents calling for prayers and government support for the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, security operations are continuing in the border area as authorities intensify efforts to track down the remaining members of the bandit group and restore security to affected communities.