Ex-Senator Says 18 Policemen Kidnapped In Kaduna As IGP Claims Men ‘Inflicted Heavy Casualties’ On Bandits

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday, said officers attached to Police Mobile Force – 9 Squadron, Kano, repelled an attack on their convoy by bandits in Kaduna State.

The IGP, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, said the officers inflicted “heavy casualties” on the assailants.

The former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, had claimed that 18 policemen were kidnapped during the attack, but the police said “only 16” of its officers were attacked.

The kidnapping of 18 policemen along Birnin Gwari (Kaduna)-Funtua(katsina) road is tragic and unfortunate.Bandits continue to carry out their hideous and nefarious activities despite the multiple operations launched against them.If the police are not safe who else is safe?

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) January 17, 2021

Mba, however, stated that four policemen lost their lives during the attack that took place along the Birnin-Gwari Funtua Highway.

The attacked officers are personnel attached to Operation Puff Adder and deployed to tackle incidences of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

The Force PRO said, “Contrary to unconfirmed reports in some sections of the media that 18 officers were kidnapped, only 16 were attacked in the ambush.

“The officers successfully repelled the attack accordingly and neutralised the bandits in their tens while many others scampered into the bush with gun shot 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,” he said.

Mba said the remaining 11 officers recovered the bodies and firearms of their fallen colleagues and that efforts were ongoing to rescue some missing officers.