The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has disclosed that the Federal Government has paid outstanding financial benefits owed to deceased police officers.

The IGP made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja at a memorial service held at the Force Headquarters, in honour of 10 police officers who were killed in an encounter with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The officers were killed on August 10, 2026, during a fierce gun battle with a heavily armed group of suspected bandits along the Makoku axis of Sakaba.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the officers intercepted the armed group while they were moving towards Zamfara and Kebbi states.

Ten police officers and two civilians were killed during the encounter, while two other officers sustained injuries. The Force said at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.

Speaking at the memorial service, the IGP described the deceased officers as some of the finest personnel in the Force, noting that he had personally served alongside some of them during anti-banditry operations in Kwara State.

He said the officers demonstrated exceptional courage and remained committed to their mission until the end.

“These are officers who will never move a step back. They will continue to move forward until they achieve their aims.”

The IGP assured the bereaved families that the Police Force would continue to support them, stressing that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.

“We are not going to ever leave them behind.”

He said the payment of the outstanding benefits was part of measures to support the families of officers who died in the line of duty.

The IGP also disclosed that applications submitted by some families of deceased police officers seeking the recruitment of their relatives into the Nigeria Police Force had been approved.

Also speaking, CP Dr. Abayomi Shogunle, Commander of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), described the fallen officers as courageous and highly trained personnel who stood their ground despite coming under heavy attack.

Shogunle said subsequent battle damage assessments indicated that the suspected bandits suffered significant casualties during the encounter.

He added that additional bodies of the attackers were recovered from parts of the forest days after the battle, following reports from residents who noticed vultures in the area.

The SIS commander urged the Police leadership to ensure that the families of the fallen officers were adequately supported and called for sustained efforts to maintain the morale of personnel serving in the tactical unit.

He described the SIS as a highly trained and effective component of the Nigeria Police Force.

“No police unit has achieved what the SIS has achieved. Anything the SIS cannot do, no police unit, I say it with all my chest, no police unit can do it.”

The IGP assured Nigerians that the Police Force would remain committed to the fight against banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent crime.

He said the Force would continue to work with the Armed Forces, sister security agencies, state governments and local communities to confront criminal elements threatening the country.

“We shall not be intimidated, we shall not relent and we shall not allow the sacrifice of our fallen heroes to be in vain.”

The memorial service ended with prayers for the repose of the souls of the 10 officers and for strength and comfort for their bereaved families.

The Nigeria Police Force said the sacrifice of the fallen officers would remain a lasting reminder of the risks security personnel undertake in the service of the nation.