IG Tunji Disu Affirms Police Resolve, Commemorates Officers Slain in Kebbi

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reiterated the Nigeria Police Force's unwavering dedication to its constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and properties across the nation. Disu delivered this assurance on Monday in Abuja during a solemn memorial parade. The event was organized to honor ten brave officers from the Nigerian Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) who tragically lost their lives during an engagement with suspected bandits in Kebbi State.

According to the IG, these officers made the ultimate sacrifice for the country on August 10, when they encountered a heavily armed group of suspected bandits migrating from Kebbi towards Zamfara. "The officers fought with courage and determination in defence of the people and the nation during the ensuing engagement," Disu stated. He further lamented the tragic outcome, confirming that "Tragically, 10 of our personnel loss their lives, two others sustained injuries while two civilians also loss their lives."

Despite the profound loss, Disu emphasized that the officers' sacrifice was not in vain. He revealed that at least seventeen of the suspected bandits were neutralized during the fierce gun battle, and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed. Additionally, the IG noted that more bodies of the bandits have since been recovered from various parts of the forest, indicating a more significant toll on the criminal group.

The Police chief affirmed that the fallen heroes died upholding their oath to serve, protect, and defend the populace. "Today we gather with heavy hearts, but with immense pride, to honour 10 gallant officers of the NPF," Disu remarked, reassuring Nigerians that "the NPF remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property."

Disu pledged the Force's continued collaboration with the armed forces, other security agencies, state governments, and local communities to combat banditry, terr*rism, and all forms of criminality plaguing the nation. He declared, "we shall not be intimidated, relent and not allow the sacrifice of our fallen heroes to be in vain."

Addressing the grieving families, the IG extended his deepest condolences: "Behind every fallen officer is a family that has lost a husband, father, son, brother and loved one. To the families of our fallen heroes, I extend, on behalf of the Nigerian Police Force, my deepest condolences. We grieve with you, we stand with you and we will not abandon you. The force remains committed to supporting you and ensuring that the sacrifice of your loved ones is never forgotten." He urged all Nigerians to remember these ten officers and the countless others who continually risk their lives for national security, acknowledging that the nation's safety often comes at a significant cost borne by these dedicated men and women.

Adding to the tributes, Mr. Abayomi Shogunle, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, lauded the deceased officers for their exceptional gallantry. He highlighted their unwavering resolve, stating that "the officers stood their ground and never abandoned their beats, as some would do in challenging times." Shogunle further disclosed that a battle damage assessment indicated that the terr*rists were killed in their hundreds, with 25 bodies observed by the community in a specific area just last week, reinforcing the impact of the officers' courageous stand.