Ten police officers deployed to Kebbi State on special duty have been killed during a confrontation with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area.

The officers, who were members of the 44 Police Mobile Force, Abuja, reportedly lost their lives on August 10, 2026, when a large group of suspected bandits attacked Makuku community.

According to a report on the incident, the attackers arrived in the area in a large convoy of motorcycles. Intelligence available to the Special Intervention Squad reportedly indicated that the bandits were approaching the community, but the warning came only shortly before the assault.

The officers subsequently engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle.

The deceased personnel were identified as Superintendent of Police Bala Buba; Inspectors Stephen Simon, Solomon Jatau, Ayuba Hassan, Umar Yahuza, Auwal Sani and Abdullahi Magaji; Sergeant Momoh Jimoh Hamza; and Corporals Ukpong Otuekong and Adam Abdulhakeem.

Two civilians were also reportedly killed during the attack, while another resident, identified as Shehu Abubakar, sustained serious gunshot wounds.

A report titled A Testament of Courage, Sacrifice and Service said the officers chose to remain in the community and confront the attackers rather than withdraw and leave residents exposed.

The Nigeria Police Force reportedly said 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.

However, separate accounts cited by the report alleged that the police team eventually exhausted its ammunition and requested air support and additional ground troops.

The same account indicated that the requested reinforcement did not arrive when it was urgently needed.

A police situation report also reportedly stated that the attackers escaped with some weapons belonging to the fallen officers. The weapons allegedly taken included 10 AK-47 rifles, an RPG rifle and two riot guns, along with ammunition.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by security personnel deployed to communities affected by banditry and renewed concerns over the need for timely reinforcement and adequate operational support for frontline officers.