•Four dead, one missing among officers -NPF
Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has commended police officers attached to Police Mobile Force – 9 PMF Squadron, Kano State, for displaying uncommon gallantry and repelling the attack on their convoy by bandits numbering about 100.
The repel of the attack took place on Birnin-Gwari/Funtua Highway on Friday, January 15, 2021 on their way back to their base in Kano, after the completion of their special duty.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, issued on Sunday, January 17, the officers were 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.
The FPRO stated that contrary to unconfirmed reports in some sections of the media, which published that 18 officers were kidnapped, only 16 officers were attacked in the ambush.
“The officers successfully repelled the attack accordingly, and neutralized the bandits in their tens, while many of bandits escaped into the bush with gunshot injuries.
“Regrettably, four 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 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,” Mba said.
While commiserating with the families of the officers who paid the supreme price in their service to Nigeria, the IGP assured that their death would not be in vain.
Adamu also told Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force would not be deterred or relent in its commitment to delivering its mandate, and ensuring that all activities of bandits and other unscrupulous elements in the area and other parts of the country are checked.