By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has declared that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute and committed to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Disu stated this on Monday in Abuja during a memorial parade held in honour of 10 Nigerian Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) officers who were attacked and killed by suspected bandits in Kebbi State.
He explained that the officers paid the supreme price in service to the nation during a fierce encounter with suspected bandits on August 10 in Kebbi. According to him, on that fateful day, the personnel intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving towards Zamfara from Kebbi.
“The officers fought with courage and determination in defence of the people and the nation during the ensuing engagement,” the IGP said.
“Tragically, 10 of our personnel loss their lives, two others sustained injuries while two civilians also loss their lives.
“The sacrifice of our men however, was not in vain because at least 17 of the suspected bandits were neutralised and four motorcycles belonging to the attackers, destroyed,” he added.
The IGP further disclosed that other corpses of the bandits had been recovered in almost all areas of the forest, adding that the gallant officers died doing what they swore on oath to do: serve, protect, and defend lives and property.
“Today we gather with heavy hearts, but with immense pride, to honour 10 gallant officers of the NPF,” Disu remarked.
“Let me assure Nigerians that the NPF remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
“We shall not be intimidated, relent and not allow the sacrifice of our fallen heroes to be in vain.
“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 assured.
The IGP urged Nigerians to remember the 10 officers and the thousands of police officers who continue to make similar sacrifices across the country, noting that their service was a solemn reminder that the security of the nation comes at a cost, often borne by men and women who willingly place their lives on the line for others.
He reaffirmed that the force would continue to work with the armed forces, sister security agencies, state governments, and communities to confront banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality threatening the nation.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police in charge of SIS, Mr. Abayomi Shogunle, commended the fallen officers for their gallantry.
He said the officers stood their ground and never abandoned their beats, as some would do in challenging times.
According to Shogunle, even up till last week, members of the community called the police to an area where they saw vultures circulating, and 25 bodies of the terrorists were still seen.
He added that battle damage assessments conducted on the incident showed that the terrorists were killed in their hundreds because the officers refused to abandon their beats.
