Nigeria Police honor 10 officers killed in Kebbi bandit attack

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has honored 10 officers of the Special Intervention Squad who were killed during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Kebbi State. The encounter occurred on August 10, 2026, along the Rafin Makuku axis of the Sakaba Local Government Area as police intercepted a heavily armed group moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 10 police officers and two civilians, while two other officers were injured. However, the police reported that the operation neutralized at least 17 suspected bandits and destroyed four motorcycles. During a memorial parade at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Disu vowed that the police would not be intimidated and would continue to pursue criminal elements to ensure justice.

In a separate directive, IGP Disu ordered a nationwide crackdown on mob violence, instructing police commissioners to treat all cases of jungle justice as homicide. He emphasized that no community or vigilante group has the legal authority to execute suspects, noting that such actions violate constitutional rights to life and fair hearing. He warned that those who incite or participate in mob attacks could face murder or conspiracy charges.