The Nigeria Police Force has honoured 10 officers of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) who were killed while confronting suspected bandits in Kebbi State, describing their sacrifice as a lasting contribution to the security and unity of Nigeria.
The fallen officers were remembered at a memorial service held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where senior police officers, colleagues and family members gathered to pay tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The officers were killed on August 10 during a fierce encounter with suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The operation targeted a heavily armed group reportedly operating across the border areas of Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Despite the danger posed by the attackers, the SIS personnel engaged the armed group in a determined effort to protect communities and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
The encounter resulted in significant casualties among the suspected bandits, while the 10 police officers also paid the ultimate price in the course of the operation.
Speaking at the memorial service, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the deceased officers as gallant personnel who demonstrated courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.
Disu expressed profound condolences to the families of the fallen officers, assuring them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to stand by them and ensure that the sacrifices of their loved ones remain remembered.
He said the loss of the officers would not intimidate or weaken the Force’s resolve in confronting banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent criminality across the country.
According to the IGP, the Police would continue to identify, pursue and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on its personnel and innocent citizens, stressing that the sacrifice made by the fallen officers must not be in vain.
Also speaking at the event, the Commander of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, disclosed that subsequent operational assessments indicated that casualties suffered by the attackers during the encounter were significantly higher than initially reported.
Shogunle urged serving SIS personnel not to allow the death of their colleagues to diminish their morale, but to draw inspiration from the courage and determination demonstrated by the fallen officers.
Representing the bereaved families, Grace Bala Buba, daughter of one of the deceased officers, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force for honouring the fallen personnel and for the support provided to their families.
The IGP urged officers across the Force to remember their fallen colleagues with pride and gratitude, using their sacrifice as a source of renewed determination to protect lives and property.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensify operations against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes, while strengthening collaboration with relevant security stakeholders.
Disu further vowed that the Force would continue to pursue perpetrators of attacks against police personnel and civilians, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
The memorial service ended with prayers and tributes for the 10 officers, whose lives and service were remembered as a symbol of courage, duty and sacrifice in the defence of Nigeria.
