Zamfara Police admit killing of 1 police, 2 NCDSC, not 20 security operatives by bandits

The Zamfara State Police Command has refuted the reported killing of 20 security operatives by bandits under the command of Turji in Shinkafi LGA of the state. The police, however, admitted that one police officer and two NCDSC operatives were killed in the ambush by bandits.

The Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Police Command, Mohammed Shehu, in a statement on Saturday, acknowledged the Command awareness of the attack on the security operatives by bandits, admitting that one police officer and two civil defense operatives were killed in the ambush on Thursday.

The PPRO narrated: “What happened was that, on 28th 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 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 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.”

The PPRO added that the state Police Command urged the public to “ignore the outrageous number” of deaths earlier reported, and “continue to be security conscious while going about their legitimate business.”

It was earlier reported that bandits killed 20 security operatives in the designated area of Zamfara State. The security operatives were identified to most comprise of officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilantes, ambushed by a bandit group led by notorious bandit leader, Turji.