Ten police officers, two civilians and 17 suspected bandits were killed in a fierce gun battle in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday.
The clash broke out after security operatives intercepted a group of heavily armed bandits travelling on motorcycles near the border between Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The Kebbi State Police Command said its operatives engaged the armed group during an operation aimed at stopping the criminals from infiltrating communities in the area.
Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said the encounter led to heavy casualties on both sides. He disclosed that 10 officers were killed, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Two civilians also died in the incident. Security forces, however, gained the upper hand, killing 17 of the suspected bandits.
The attack highlights the persistent security threats facing communities in north-western Nigeria, especially areas near forests and states grappling with banditry. The Kebbi-Zamfara border in particular has remained a flashpoint, with armed groups exploiting the terrain to launch attacks and evade capture.
Security agencies say they will intensify operations in the area to disrupt bandit networks, protect residents and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.
The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers faced by both security personnel and civilians as authorities work to contain banditry and other violent crimes in the region. Operations are expected to continue around the Kebbi-Zamfara axis, with security agencies monitoring the movements of armed groups in the area.
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