Security personnel on Monday eliminated 17 Bandits during an attack on a security camp at Makuku in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The camp which was occupied by personnel of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) Platoon 2 and Police Mobile Force (PMF) 48 came under attack at about 0600hrs,when a large group of armed bandits, numbering over 200 and riding on motorcycles stormed the camp.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu in a statement issued Tuesday said 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.
Iniedu added that a fierce exchange of gunfire lasting over two hours ensued between security forces and the attackers.
He noted: “In the course of the operation, the Force sadly lost 10 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.
“The bandits suffered significant losses during the engagement, with at 17 attackers believed to have been neutralised and several of their motorcycles destroyed by security forces before they fled the area, with surviving accomplices observed conveying the bodies away on motorcycles as they retreated.”
The Inspector-General of Police has commended the gallantry and sacrifice of the officers who repelled the attack and directed the immediate reinforcement of security architecture across Sakaba LGA and neighbouring communities to forestall further attacks.
The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the officers, the vigilante member, and the civilians who lost their lives, and assures them of full welfare support in line with Force policy.