Edith CHUKU
Grieving families and colleagues struggled to contain their emotions as the Nigeria Police Force held a memorial service at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in honour of ten gallant officers of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The officers died during an encounter with suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area, Kebbi State, on 10th August, 2026.
The officers were among personnel who engaged a heavily armed group of bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States.
The encounter resulted in significant losses to the attackers, while the Police personnel fought with courage and determination in defence of lives and national security.
The memorial service held on Monday, featured prayers in honour of the fallen officers, as senior Police officers, colleagues and families of the deceased gathered to pay tribute to their courage, service and sacrifice.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the fallen officers as gallant personnel who paid the supreme price while serving, protecting and defending lives and property.
Disu extended the deepest condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to their families, assuring them that the force would continue to support them and ensure that the sacrifices of their loved ones are never forgotten.
The IGP declared that the Force would not be intimidated or relent in the fight against banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent criminality.
He stressed that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would not be allowed to be in vain, assuring that efforts would continue to identify, pursue and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on Police personnel and innocent citizens.
In his remarks, Abayomi Shogunle, Commander, Special Intervention Squad, noted that subsequent operational assessments indicated that the losses inflicted on the attackers were significantly higher than the initial assessment.
Shogunle stressed that the morale of the SIS must not be allowed to waver, urging personnel to continue the fight with the same courage and determination demonstrated by their fallen colleagues.
On behalf of the bereaved families, Grace Bala Buba, daughter of one of the fallen officers, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force for honouring their loved ones and for the support extended to the families.
The IGP, while paying tribute to the fallen officers, urged Police personnel to remember them with pride and gratitude and to draw renewed determination from their sacrifice. He reaffirmed the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain operations against banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent criminality, strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and pursue all persons responsible for attacks on Police personnel and innocent citizens, ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes are not in vain.
