The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Olatunji Disu, says the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) remains resolute and committed to its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
Mr Disu said this on Monday in Abuja during a memorial parade held in honour of 10 Nigerian Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) officers, attacked and killed by suspected bandits in Kebbi.
He said the officers paid the supreme price in service to the nation during a fierce encounter with suspected bandits in Kebbi on August 10.
According to him, on that fateful day, the personnel intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving from Kebbi towards Zamfara.
”The officers fought with courage and determination in defence of the people and the nation during the ensuing engagement.
”Tragically, 10 of our personnel lost their lives, two others sustained injuries, while two civilians also lost 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 were destroyed.”
He also said that other corpses of the bandits had been recovered in almost all the areas of the forest.
The IG said the gallant officers died doing what they swore on oath to do: to 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.
”Let me assure Nigerians that the NPF remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property,” he said.
Mr Disu said 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.
According to him, the police shall not be intimidated, relent and not allow the sacrifice of 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.”
The IG urged Nigerians to remember the 10 officers and the thousands of police officers who continue to make similar sacrifices.
He said their services was a solemn reminder that national security comes at a cost, often borne by men and women who willingly place their lives on the line for others.
In his remark, the Commissioner of Police in charge of SIS, Abayomi Shogunle, commended the fallen officers for their gallantry.
He said the officers stood their ground and never abandoned their beats, as some would in challenging times.
According to him, even up till last week, the community called the police to an area where they saw vultures circulating, and 25 bodies of these terrorists were still seen.
He said the battle damage assessments done on the incident showed that the terrorists were killed in their hundreds because the officers did not abandon their beats.
(NAN)
