Kebbi: Identities Of 10 Policemen K!lled By Bandits Emerge

According to Ireporter Online, the officers, all attached to the 44 Police Mobile Force in Abuja, were deployed on special duty in Makuku, Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, when they came under attack on August 10, 2026.

The officers were reportedly confronted by a large group of suspected bandits who stormed the area on hundreds of motorcycles, leading to a fierce gun battle.

The deceased officers have been 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, Shehu Abubakar, sustained serious gunshot injuries.

A report titled “A Testament of Courage, Sacrifice and Service” provided details of the operation and described the incident as a major test of the officers’ commitment to protecting the community.

According to the account, personnel of the Special Intervention Squad received intelligence that a large bandit force was advancing towards Makuku.

The attackers were reportedly travelling on approximately 250 motorcycles, with about three suspected bandits riding on each motorcycle.

The officers allegedly received the intelligence only minutes before the attackers arrived, leaving them with limited time to prepare for the confrontation.

Despite the overwhelming number of attackers, the policemen reportedly chose to remain in the community instead of withdrawing to safety.

The report said the officers stood their ground and confronted the attackers in an effort to protect residents from the advancing threat.

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

However, earlier reports citing police sources alleged that the officers eventually ran out of ammunition during the prolonged exchange of gunfire.

One source reportedly claimed that the policemen made desperate calls for air support and additional ground troops, but the requested assistance did not arrive when it was urgently needed.

The account contained in the police report also acknowledged that the officers requested reinforcement during the operation.

A separate police situation report reportedly alleged that the attackers escaped with some weapons belonging to the fallen security personnel, including 10 AK-47 rifles, an RPG rifle and two riot guns, alongside other ammunition.

Following the tragedy, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu honoured the deceased officers during a memorial parade held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Disu described the slain personnel as gallant officers who lost their lives while carrying out their responsibility to protect lives and property.

The police chief said the officers died while fulfilling the oath they took to serve, protect and defend Nigerians.

He also acknowledged the devastating impact of the incident on the families of the fallen personnel, noting that behind every deceased officer was a family that had lost a husband, father, son, brother or loved one.

Disu assured the bereaved families that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to support them during the difficult period.

As part of the support measures, the IGP reportedly approved ₦5 million for each of the affected families and directed that replacements for the fallen officers be enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force.