The Nigeria Police Force has mourned 10 officers killed during a confrontation with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, following the incident along the Rafin Makuku axis on Monday. According to the police, two civilians also died during the encounter, while two officers were injured and are receiving medical attention.

The clash occurred at about 9:25am after police operatives intercepted suspected bandits who were moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The police said 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed grief over the deaths and commiserated with the families and colleagues of the fallen officers.

Disu described the deaths as a painful loss to the Force and the nation, assuring the families that the officers' sacrifice would not be forgotten.

The remains of the deceased personnel have been taken to Birnin Kebbi, while the police said the affected area had been brought under control.

The Force said additional personnel had been deployed to maintain security in the area and continue efforts to locate the fleeing members of the criminal group.