The Nigeria Police have admitted to losing four men in a shoot-out with suspected bandits along the notorious Birnin-Gwari Highway, with one officer still missing.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CP Frank Mba, Sunday in Abuja, said: “Contrary to unconfirmed reports in some sections of the media stating that 18 officers were kidnapped, only 16 officers were attacked in the ambush. The officers successfully repelled the attack accordingly and neutralised the bandits in their tens while many of bandits scampered into the bush with gunshot injuries. “Regrettably, four of the officers paid the supreme price during the exchange of gun fire between the police and the bandits while an officer is still missing.”
According to Mba, “Eleven officers, led by their Unit Commander, successfully recovered the bodies and firearms of their fallen colleagues while concerted efforts are being intensified to rescue the officer still missing.”
The spokesperson disclosed further that the officers are personnel attached to Operation Puff Adder and 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.
He added that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohmmed Adamu, has commended the officers attached to Police Mobile Force – 9 PMF Squadron, Kano for displaying uncommon gallantry and repelling the attack on their convoy by bandits numbering about hundred.
Mba said the officers were on their way back to their base in Kano after the completion of their special duty.
“The IGP, while commiserating with the families of the officers who have yet again paid the supreme price in the service of our nation, assures that their death shall not be in vain,” the statement stated.
The IGP has assured the 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 were brought to check.
