The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday held a memorial service at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in honour of 10 officers of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) who were killed in the line of duty during an encounter with suspected bandits in Kebbi State.
The officers lost their lives on August 10, 2026, during a fierce engagement with a heavily armed group of suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Senior police officers, colleagues and relatives of the deceased gathered at the memorial to pay tribute to the fallen personnel, with prayers offered in recognition of their courage, service and ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
According to Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja CSP Ani Iniedu, the officers were part of a police team deployed to confront suspected bandits operating along the Zamfara-Kebbi axis. The encounter inflicted significant casualties on the attackers, as the SIS personnel fought to protect lives and property and safeguard national security.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the deceased officers as gallant personnel who paid the supreme price in the service of Nigeria.
Disu conveyed the deepest condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the bereaved families and assured them of the continued support of the Force, stressing that the sacrifices of their loved ones would remain indelible.
The IGP also vowed that the police would not be intimidated or deterred in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent criminality.
He said the Force would intensify efforts to identify, pursue and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on police personnel and innocent citizens.
Also speaking, the Commander of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said subsequent operational assessments showed that the casualties inflicted on the attackers were significantly higher than initially reported.
Shogunle urged SIS personnel not to allow the loss of their colleagues to weaken their morale, but to remain resolute and continue the fight with the same courage and determination demonstrated by the fallen officers.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Grace Bala Buba, daughter of one of the deceased officers, thanked the Nigeria Police Force for honouring the fallen personnel and supporting their families.
The IGP urged police personnel to remember the fallen officers with pride and gratitude, drawing renewed strength and determination from their sacrifice.
He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to sustained operations against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes, while pledging stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders to track down perpetrators and ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes were not in vain.
