By Mohammed Mohammed
The Inspector-General of Police (IG) Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has admitted that only 4 police officers were killed when Mobile Force – 9 PMF Squadron,
Kano was attacked by 100 bandits along the Birnin Gwari – Funtua Highway on Friday on 15th January.
The officers were on their way back to their base in Kano after the completion of their special duty.
He, however, commended the officers attached to Police Mobile Force – 9 PMF Squadron, Kano for displaying uncommon gallantry and repelling the attack.
According to him, the officers are personnel attached to Operation Puff Adder and deployed to Niger State in the sustained operation to reclaim the public space and tackle incidents of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the area.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frank Mba, in a statement on behalf of the Force Headquarters in Abuja, said contrary to unconfirmed reports in some sections of the media stating that eighteen (18) officers were kidnapped, only sixteen (16) officers were attacked in the ambush.
The officers 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 said: “Regrettably, four (4) of the Officers paid the supreme price during the exchange of gunfire between the Police and the bandits while an officer is still missing. However, the remaining eleven (11) 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 IG, 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 IG assures the citizens that the Force is not deterred and will 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, he said.