A violent gunbattle in northern Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of 10 police officers, according to official reports released on Tuesday. The clash occurred on Monday within the Sakaba council area of Kebbi state.
Police spokesperson Bashir Usman confirmed the casualty figures, noting that in addition to the police deaths, two civilians were killed. Seventeen of the rebels were also reported dead following the engagement. According to Usman, the security forces intercepted the rebels, who were heavily armed and traveling on motorcycles near the border with Zamfara state. This region is known for a high concentration of armed gangs that frequently conduct raids on local towns and villages.
"Tragically, we lost 10 gallant police personnel in the engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention," Usman said in a statement.
The United States government currently provides military support to Nigeria under a bilateral agreement intended to protect Nigerian Christians. However, the scope of this assistance remains largely limited to intelligence-gathering and logistics support in the conflict-affected northern region.
The clash, which occurred on Monday in the Sakaba council area of Kebbi state, also left two civilians and 17 of the rebels dead, police spokesperson Bashir Usman said in a statement.
