By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
Suspected armed bandits have killed four policemen and kidnapped one officer in an ambush on a police convoy along Birnin-Gwari Funtua Highway in Kano.
The Police authorities said that 16 officers were attacked in the ambush on Friday January 15, 2021.
The officers who are personnel attached to Operation Puff Adder were deployed to Niger State in the sustained operation to reclaim public space and tackle incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the area.
According to a communique by the police spokesman, CP Frank Mba, the officers were heading back to their base in Kano after the completion of their special duty when they were ambushed.
Mba narrated on Sunday that a fierce gun-battle ensued, leading to the death of the four officers whose names were not disclosed.
Mba said that contrary to unconfirmed reports in some sections of the media stating that 18 officers were kidnapped, only 16 were attacked and 11 successfully repelled the attack “accordingly and neutralized the bandits in their tens while many of the bandits scampered into the bush with gunshot injuries”.
He further disclosed that the 11 officers led by their Unit Commander successfully recovered the bodies and firearms of their fallen colleagues, while efforts were being intensified to rescue the officer still missing.
The police image-maker said that the Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has commended the police officers attached to the Police Mobile Force – 9 PMF Squadron in Kano for displaying gallantry and repelling the attack on their convoy.
According to Mba’s statement, the IGP, while commiserating with the families of the officers, who have yet again paid the supreme price in the service of the nation, assured that their death shall not be in vain.
The IGP further assured citizens that the Force was not deterred and would not relent in its commitment to delivering on its mandate and ensuring that all activities of bandits and other unscrupulous elements in the area and other parts of the country are brought to check.
