Police: Three security operatives killed in gunfight with bandits in Zamfara

The Zamfara police command says three security operatives were killed by bandits in Shinkafi LGA of the state on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mohammed Shehu, spokesperson of the command, said one police officer and two civil defence personnel were killed during the attack.

He said the rumours that 20 security personnel were killed are not true.

Shehu said the bandits attacked the team of joint security personnel and engaged them in a gun battle which lasted for hours.

“What happened was that, on 28th of 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 reads.

“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 gunshot 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.

“Ignore the outrageous number of the earlier reports and continue to be security conscious while going about their legitimate business.”