BIRNIN KEBBI — Security forces have reportedly neutralised at least 17 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle in Kebbi State, but the operation came at a heavy cost as 10 police officers and two civilians were killed.
The deadly confrontation occurred along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area, after security operatives intercepted a large group of heavily armed suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing the encounter as a fierce exchange of gunfire between the security forces and the armed group.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
According to him, the security operatives engaged the bandits in a gun battle after intercepting their movement along the Rafin Makuku axis.
He said several members of the armed group were neutralised during the encounter, with at least 17 suspected bandits reportedly killed.
Security forces also destroyed four motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers during the operation.
However, the operation resulted in significant casualties among the security personnel, with 10 police officers and two civilians confirmed dead.
The police said the casualty figures remained subject to further verification as authorities continued efforts to establish the full extent of the losses.
SP Usman said the immediate priorities of the command were to provide support to the families of the fallen personnel and civilians, care for wounded victims and intensify efforts to track down bandits who fled the scene.
He added that follow-up security operations were already underway to prevent the fleeing elements from regrouping or launching further attacks in surrounding communities.
A resident of Makuku village, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that residents heard a heavy exchange of gunfire during the confrontation.
The resident said the incident had thrown Makuku Ward and the wider Sakaba Local Government Area into mourning, with residents calling for prayers and urgent government assistance for families who lost loved ones.
The latest clash underscores the continuing security challenges along the Kebbi-Zamfara border axis, where armed groups have continued to pose threats to rural communities and security personnel.
Security operations remain ongoing in the area as authorities intensify efforts to locate the fleeing members of the bandit group and prevent further attacks.
Residents have meanwhile been urged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
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