The Nigeria Police Force has honoured 10 officers of the Special Intervention Squad who were killed while confronting suspected bandits in Kebbi State, with Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu describing them as officers who “paid the supreme price” in the line of duty.
A memorial parade was held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, bringing together police personnel and families of the fallen officers to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice.
The deceased officers were ASP Bala Buba (43); Inspector Saminu Sulaiman (40); Inspector Solomon Jatau (39); Inspector Ayuba Hassain (38); Inspector Umar Yahuza (37); Inspector Auwal Sani (38); Inspector Adamu Abdullahi (35); Inspector Abdullahi Magaji (43); Sergeant Jimoh Momo (35); and Corporal Ukpong Otrukmj (34).
The 10 officers were killed on August 10, 2026, during a fierce encounter with suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to the IGP, the officers had intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states when the confrontation occurred.
The encounter resulted in the deaths of the 10 police officers, while two other officers were injured and two civilians were also killed.
Despite the casualties, Disu said the operation recorded a significant success, with at least 17 suspected bandits reportedly neutralised and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers destroyed.
“These gallant officers died doing what they swore an oath to do — to serve, to protect, and to defend lives and property.”
The IGP said each of the fallen officers represented more than a police badge, stressing that behind every officer was a family that had lost a husband, father, son, brother or loved one.
He extended his condolences to the families and assured them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to support them and ensure that the sacrifices of their loved ones were not forgotten.
“We grieve with you, we stand with you, and we will not abandon you.”
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Faith Bala Buba appealed to the police authorities to assist the families by providing job opportunities within the Nigeria Police Force.
Source: Nigeria Police Force.
