How Bandits Killed Niger DPO, Four Policemen In Gun Battle

Bandits have killed the Divisional Police Officer, Paiko Division, and four other policemen, during a gun duel to repel an attack on some communities in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the development in a statement, said some bandits had attempted to attack the Chibani market in Munyan Local Government Area but were neutralised by local vigilantes.

He explained that another set of bandits also tried to attack communities around Lambata but was engaged in a gun battle with security operatives in the area.

“Similarly, on February 11, 2023, around 11am, information was received that armed bandits were sighted around Kwakuti-Dajigbe villages area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around Gurara LGA,” he said.

“Combined teams of police from Gawu-Babangida Division and Paiko Division, military, and vigilante members were drafted to the scene; the hoodlums were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them being neutralised, while others escaped with bullet injuries.

“Regrettably, DPO Paiko, SP Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other police personnel from both divisions lost their lives during the gun duel,” the statement read.

Abiodun said the corpses of the deceased policemen had been recovered.