The people of Kebbi State are in mourning after three courageous police officers were killed in a fierce gun battle with suspected Lakurawa bandits in Bunza Local Government Area.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on Thursday evening, July 11, around 7 p.m., when intelligence reports reached the Kebbi State Police Command that armed bandits were sighted along the Zogirma-Tilli forest route, a known flashpoint for violent attacks.
Without hesitation, the Divisional Police Officer in Zogirma mobilized a response team, which was quickly reinforced by officers from Police Mobile Force Squadron 36 in Birnin Kebbi. Together, they stormed the area, determined to prevent another attack on innocent villagers.
But what awaited them was a brutal ambush.
According to police spokesperson CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, the officers engaged the heavily armed terrorists in a prolonged and deadly gunfight deep in the forest.
“Several of the bandits were neutralized,” he said. “But tragically, three of our officers paid the ultimate price.“
The fallen officers have been hailed as heroes—men who gave their lives in the line of duty to protect communities that have for too long lived in fear.
Commissioner of Police Bello Sani, visibly moved, praised their bravery.
“These officers showed exceptional courage,” he said in an emotional tribute. “They stood firm in the face of danger and sacrificed everything to protect the people of this state. May their souls rest in peace.”
He also assured the people of Kebbi that the police would not back down in the fight against criminal gangs who continue to destabilize the region.
“Our resolve has only strengthened,” CP Sani said. “We will pursue these terrorists to the last man. They will not break our spirit.”
Residents of Bunza and surrounding communities have expressed both grief and gratitude. For many, the loss of the officers is a painful reminder of the human cost behind every security headline.
“These men didn’t run,” said Malami Zogirma, a local farmer. “They came to protect us. They didn’t even know our names—but they died for us. We can’t forget that.”
As Kebbi buries its heroes, security forces continue to comb the forests for wounded survivors of the Lakurawa group, hoping to bring justice—and restore some measure of peace.
In the meantime, the police command is calling on all residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“We need the people’s support,” CSP Abubakar urged. “Together, we can protect our communities and honour the memory of those we’ve lost.”
