Zamfara state police command has confirmed the killing of one of its personnel and two officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp in an ambush in Zamfara Thursday evening.
In a statement signed by SP Mohammed Shehu, and seen by reporters, the command said the bandits also recorded casualties.
“What happened was that, on 28th October 2021, Joint Police/Civil Defence Operatives deployed along K/Namoda – Shinkafi Road to stem the tide of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes were ambushed by suspected armed bandits who came in large number,” the statement said.
“The operatives who were always at red alert engaged the hoodlums to an extensive gun duel that lasted for hours. Some of the assailants were neutralised while others escaped with possible gun shot wounds. Unfortunately, a Police Operative and two (2) Civil Defence Personnel paid the supreme price and their corpses were evacuated and buried accordingly.
“The Commissioner of Police while deploying reinforcement of Police Tactical operatives to the area, reiterates the continuous commitment and resilience of the Police to rid the State of all activities of criminal elements.”
The command urged the public to “ignore the outrageous number” of the earlier reports and “continue to be security conscious while going about their legitimate business.”
The attack was suspected to be carried out by bandits loyal to Turji.
A police officer in Kaura Namoda command, who spoke to this reporter in confidence, however, said some policemen were still not found.
He also sent this reporter video clip of the burnt down vehicle.
The command argued that only three security personnel and not 20 were killed despite insistence by residents that the number, including vigilante members, was higher.
