Two Police Officers Killed in Gunfight with Bandits During Cattle Rustling Foil in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has reported the tragic loss of two officers during a gunfight with suspected Lakurawa bandits on Friday, while attempting to prevent a cattle rustling operation in the state.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the command’s spokesman, SP Nafiu Abubakar, the incident occurred on January 3, 2025, at around 1:00 a.m. Armed bandits, suspected to be from the Lakurawa sect, attacked Alhaji Lawal Block Farm and nearby Fulani settlements in Natsini village, located along the Argungu/Kangiwa road. During the raid, the bandits rustled an unspecified number of cows.

Upon receiving the report, a team from the Police Safer Highway patrol swiftly responded, engaging the bandits in a gunfight. The officers pursued the assailants, forcing them to retreat into the forest, leaving behind some of the stolen cattle. However, during the intense exchange of fire, two police officers tragically lost their lives.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, condemned the incident and offered condolences, praying for the eternal rest of the deceased officers. Following the attack, the Commissioner visited the scene to assess the situation, and later met with the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mera, to brief him on the ongoing efforts of the combined security agencies to combat crime in the region.