Nigeria: IGP Disu honors 10 police officers killed in Kebbi bandit ambush
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged that the Nigeria Police Force will intensify its fight against banditry following the death of 10 officers in an attack in Kebbi State.
The IGP made the vow on Monday, August 24, 2026, during a memorial parade held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja for the fallen officers of the Special Intervention Squad.
According to Disu, the officers were killed on August 10 while confronting a heavily armed group of suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State.
The police team had intercepted the suspects who were moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states. A fierce gun battle followed.
The officers paid the supreme price while discharging their constitutional and professional responsibility to protect lives and property,” he said. “At least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.”
We shall not be intimidated, we shall not relent, and we shall not allow the sacrifices of our fallen heroes to be in vain,” Disu said.
He extended condolences to the families of the officers and assured them of continued support from the Force.
“We grieve with you, we stand with you, and we will not abandon you,” he told the bereaved families.
The IGP also urged Nigerians to remember the officers and the thousands of other police personnel who risk their lives daily.
“The security that citizens enjoy often comes at a heavy personal cost to security personnel,” he noted
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force will work more closely with the Armed Forces, other security agencies, state governments and local communities to tackle banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
He vowed that the Force would track down those responsible for the Kebbi attack and other assaults on police officers and civilians.
“We will continue to pursue these criminal elements, disrupt their activities and bring those responsible for attacks on our personnel and innocent citizens to justice,” he said.
The IGP called on police personnel to draw strength from the sacrifice of their colleagues and remain committed to duty.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families the Rafin Makuku area in Sakaba LGA has seen repeated clashes between security forces and bandit groups operating across the Kebbi-Zamfara border. Security agencies have increased patrols and joint operations in the region in recent months to curb movement of armed groups and protect rural communities.
Monday’s memorial was attended by senior police officers, families of the deceased, and representatives of other security agencies.
