Bandits Kill 10 Police Officers, Two Civilians in Kebbi Gun Battle

Ten police personnel attached to the 44 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja, have reportedly been killed alongside two civilians following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Makuku, Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The officers were reportedly on special duty in the area as part of a security operation aimed at confronting armed bandits operating in the community when they came under attack.

According to a police situation report dated August 10, 2026, the deadly confrontation occurred at Makuku village, with the aftermath of the gun battle leaving 10 police personnel and two civilians dead.

The report stated that information received by the police at about 7:40 p.m. indicated that the armed bandits had overpowered the Mobile Police Force personnel during the encounter.

Following the attack, a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sakaba Division, DSP Umaru Bagudu, reportedly visited the scene and recovered the bodies of the slain personnel.

The deceased officers were identified as ASP Bala Buba, 43; Inspector Saminu Sulaiman, 40; Inspector Solomon Jatau, 39; Inspector Ayuba Hassain, 38; Inspector Umar Yahuza, 37; Inspector Auwal Sani, 38; Sergeant Jimoh Momo, 35; Corporal Ukpong Otrukmj, 34; Inspector Adamu Abdullahi, 35; and Inspector Abdullahi Magaji, 43.

All 10 officers were attached to the 44 PMF, Abuja, and were deployed to the area on special duty.

The police report further stated that two civilians were also killed during the attack. They were identified as Mohammadu Magwawara, 50, and Muhammadu Tiritiri, 45.

Another civilian, Shehu Abubakar, 41, sustained serious gunshot injuries during the incident.

The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Dirin Daji, where they were confirmed dead, while the injured Abubakar was referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, for further medical treatment.

Bandits Seize Police Weapons

Beyond the loss of lives, the attackers reportedly seized a significant quantity of firearms and ammunition belonging to the security personnel following the gun battle.

According to the police situation report, the weapons allegedly carted away by the bandits included one RPG rifle, two riot guns and 10 AK-47 rifles, alongside other arms and ammunition.

The development has raised fresh concerns over the security situation in parts of Kebbi State, particularly the growing threat posed by armed groups operating in remote communities.

The latest incident also highlights the dangers faced by security personnel deployed to confront armed groups in difficult terrains, where officers are often required to operate in challenging conditions.

Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to track the perpetrators, recover the stolen weapons and prevent further attacks on security personnel and civilians in the affected communities.

The incident has also renewed concerns over the need for improved operational support, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations to effectively confront armed banditry in the region.