Four policemen killed as gunmen lay ambush on highway

Four policemen were killed in an ambush by gunmen on Birnin Gwari – Funtua highway last Friday.

The officers, deployed from the Police Mobile Force – 9 PMF Squadron, Kano, were on their way from an operation in Niger state when their convoy ran into the ambush.

Frank Mba, police spokesperson, who confirmed the incident said the officers in the convoy were 16 and the bodies of the four killed have been recovered while one of the officers is missing.

“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,” he 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 neutralized the bandits in their tens while many of the 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.

“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 Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), while commiserating with the families of the slain officers assured them that their death would not be in vain.