GUNMEN suspected to be members of the violent extremist group, Boko Haram, stormed a commercial bank in Yobe State town of Gashua on Thursday, killing 2o residents in operation alongside another 5 policement.
According to police authorities in the state, no less than 9 million naira was carted away by the murderous gang of Islamic extremists.
The state commissioner for police, Sanusi Rufai confirmed the attack and the number of fatal casualties during a press availability in the state capital of Damaturu.
At least 2 other policemen are said to be receiving treatment for injuries sustained from the attack. Soldiers present at the venue of the attack later joined the police in firefight against the attacking extremist.
According to Rufai, weapons and ammunition consisting of two guns and two locally made pistols were recovered during the shootout. Other weapons seized from the violent extremists include two long-range rifles and an assortment of hand grenades.
The police commissioner also disclosed that at least one of the gunmen was apprehended alive by the authorities following the operation. He is said to be assisting officials in investigating the bloody incident.
The gunmen are also alleged to have staged another attack at a different location, dressed in police and military fatigue to mislead people about their intentions.
“It is the same group using police and military uniforms that attacked Tarmuwa, Gulani and Giedam in recent times,” Police Commissioner Rufai said.
The police boss also revealed that the gunmen had earlier in the operation seized the bank manager, forcing him to open the vault from where the money was carted away.
Also stolen were a Peugeot 406 salon car and a Toyota Corolla car.