There was bloodbath on Monday at Makuku village in Zuru Emirate, along the Kebbi-Zamfara border in Kebbi State, when 10 police operatives and 17 suspected bandits died during a fierce gun battle.
The firefight occurred as bandits reportedly stormed the community with the intention of attacking residents and possibly abducting some of them.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, and made available to reporters on Tuesday.
According to Usman, a total of 17 bandits were killed while several others sustained injuries during the encounter.
Acting on credible intelligence, he said armed mobile police personnel swiftly moved to the area and engaged the bandits in a gun battle.
He stated that the encounter resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with 10 police officers losing their lives while several others sustained injuries.
“Yes, there was a gunfight between our men and bandits at Makuku village and, tragically, we lost 10 officers while we killed over 17 bandits,” Usman said.
The police spokesman added that the injured officers were receiving medical attention at a health facility.
He praised the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, saying their sacrifice would not be in vain.
Usman also assured that the wounded personnel would receive the necessary medical attention and support.
The Kebbi command said it remained committed to protecting residents and combating banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
