Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, yesterday, reminded everyone that the security of the nation comes at a cost, often borne by men and women who willingly placed their lives on the line for others.
He, however, honoured 10 fallen police officers killed during a gun battle with suspected terrorists along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday, 10 August 2026.
Disu reiterated that the priceless sacrifice of the 10 fallen officers was a solemn reminder of the cost of securing the nation.
Speaking at the memorial parade in honour of the 10 fallen police officers of the Special Intervention Squad, held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP urged Nigerians to remember the officers and the thousands of police personnel who continue to make similar sacrifices across the country.
“Let me assure Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
“We shall continue to work with the Armed Forces, sister security agencies, state governments and our communities to confront banditry, terrorism and every form of violent criminality threatening our nation.
“We shall not be intimidated, we shall not relent, and we shall not allow the sacrifices of our fallen heroes to be in vain.
“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.”
Recalling the incident, Disu said: “Today, we gather with heavy hearts, but with immense pride, to honour 10 gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force, who paid the supreme price in service to our dear nation during a fierce encounter with suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday, 10 August 2026.
“On that fateful day, our personnel intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States. In the ensuing engagement, our officers fought with courage and determination in defence of our people and our national security. Tragically, 10 of our personnel lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries. Two civilians also lost their lives.
“The sacrifice of our men, however, was not in vain, as at least 17 of the suspected bandits were neutralised and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.
“These gallant officers died doing what they swore an oath to do: to serve, to protect and to defend lives and property. Their sacrifice reminds us that every day, police officers across Nigeria put themselves in harm’s way so that millions of Nigerians can live, work and sleep with a measure of safety and peace.”
He, nevertheless, assured the families of the fallen officers that the Force remained committed to supporting them and ensuring that the sacrifices of their loved ones were never forgotten.