Policeman, 6 bandits, one other killed in Plateau fresh crisis

A policeman, six bandits and a member of the local vigilante group have been shot dead during gun-battle between the police and bandits in Plateau State in a renewed onslaught against gunmen in the state.

The incident occurred on Monday at Kwoi village of Gindiri district, Mangu Local Government Area.

Plateau State, North Central Nigeria has been in turmoil in recent times following rampaging activities of bandits and militias.

Ubah Ogaba, spokesperson of Plateau Police Command, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.

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He said at about 2 p.m. on Monday, the command received credible information about the activity of a notorious syndicate of gunrunners at Kwoi Village in Mangu local government area of the State.

Ogaba stated that on receipt of the information, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Mangu, Police operatives attached to Mangu Division, military personnel and local vigilante were mobilised and swiftly moved to the area.

He explained that on sighting the team, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel, but that due to the tactical operational capability and superior firepower of the operatives, six of the hoodlums were neutralised while others fled with bullet wounds.

Ogaba, however, said one Insp Abdulrahaman Isah, Commander of the IGP’s IRT based in Mangu and one Hassan Mohammed, a local vigilante member, gallantly paid the supreme price.

The police spokesman said three AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene.