By Lucy Tawo
Abuja, Nigeria — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Monday named the 10 officers of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), who paid the supreme price in Kebbi State, as he confirmed that the Federal Government has released outstanding death benefits to their families.
A memorial parade was held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, to honoured the gallant officers killed on Monday, 10th August, 2026, during a fierce encounter with suspected bandits along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba LGA, Kebbi State.
The 10 Fallen Heroes –
According to the official list released by the Force, the late officers are: ASP Bala Buba; Insp. Stephen Simon; Insp. Awwal Sanni; Insp. Ayuba Hassan; Insp. Magaji Abdullahi; Insp. Solomon Jatau; Insp. Yahuza Umar; Sgt. Momjimoh Hamza; Cpl. Ukpong Otuekong and Cpl. Adam Abdulhakeem.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner of Police (SIS), CP Abayomi Shogunle, paid tribute to the fallen men.
“The men came under attack, and they stood their ground. They did not run away like others did. They did not abandon their beats like we have seen others do. They stood their ground,” Shogunle said.
He revealed that the battle damage assessment showed the impact was far greater.
“The community called the Police to an area where they saw vultures circulating, and 25 bodies of these terrorists were still seen. Our battle damage assessment has indicated that these terrorists were killed in their hundreds because these men did not abandon their beats.
“Till August 19, 2026, the villagers are still calling on the Police to come and recover more bodies of the bandits.”
CP Shogunle urged the IGP not to abandon the families –
“I want to urge the IG, sir, please, the Nigeria police force should not abandon these families. Anything the SIS cannot do, no Police unit can do it. That’s the reason why we need to keep the spirit of these men going.”
Representing the families, Miss Faith Bala appealed to the IGP not to forget them, and requested that dependents who applied to join the Force be given consideration.
Responding, IGP Disu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the release of funds for death benefits.
“The president recently released funds owed for death benefits,” the IGP said. “I stress that all those from the deceased families who applied have been approved.”
Earlier in his remarks, the IGP said the officers intercepted a heavily armed group of bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States.
“In the ensuing engagement, our officers fought with courage and determination. Tragically, ten of our personnel lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries. Two civilians also lost their lives.
“The sacrifice of our men, however, was not in vain, as at least seventeen of the suspected bandits were neutralised and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.”
IGP Disu said the sacrifice reminds Nigerians that Police personnel daily risk their lives for national peace.
“Behind every fallen officer is a family that has lost a husband, father, son, brother or loved one. To the families of our fallen heroes, we grieve with you, we stand with you, and we will not abandon you,” he stated.
He assured that the Force will continue to work with the Armed Forces, sister agencies, and communities to confront banditry and terrorism.
“We shall not be intimidated, we shall not relent, and we shall not allow the sacrifices of our fallen heroes to be in vain.”
The IGP concluded with prayers for the departed officers: “May the souls of our departed officers rest in perfect peace. God bless the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
