The Kebbi State Police Command says 17 suspected bandits were killed during a fierce exchange of gunfire with security operatives at Makuku village in the Zuru Emirate, near the Kebbi-Zamfara border.
The confrontation also resulted in the deaths of 10 police officers, while several other personnel were injured, according to the command.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Usman said the police received intelligence that an armed group was preparing to attack Makuku community, with the possible intention of abducting residents.
In response, mobile police personnel were deployed to the area. The officers encountered the armed group and engaged them in a prolonged gun battle.
The police spokesman said the clash caused significant casualties on both sides.
“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.
Several police personnel who sustained injuries during the confrontation have been taken to a medical facility for treatment, he added.
Usman commended the officers who died while responding to the security threat, describing their actions as a sacrifice made in the line of duty.
He assured that injured personnel would receive appropriate medical care and support.
The command said it would continue operations aimed at protecting communities and disrupting the activities of bandits and other criminal groups operating in Kebbi State.
The latest clash highlights the continuing security challenges along the Kebbi-Zamfara axis, where armed groups have been accused of carrying out attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities.
