Bandits Gun Down DPO, 6 Other Security Operatives in Niger State
- Armed bandits have staged a fresh attack in Nasko, Magama local government area of Niger state
- The terrorists who were engaged by security operatives in a gun battle killed the DPO in charge of the area, two other police officers and four vigilante members
- The Niger state police command has condoled with the families of officers and vigilante members killed by the bandits
Magama LGA, Niger state - Armed bandits have killed at least seven security operatives, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Nasko, Magama local government area of Niger state.
Daily Trust reported that the tragic incident happened around 1pm on Tuesday, March 15.
Source: Facebook
Legit.ng gathers that the gunmen who attempted to launch an attack on Nasko were engaged by the security operatives, comprising the police, military and local vigilantes.
Niger police command confirms incident
Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng!
DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman of the Niger state police command, has confirmed the incident.
He said the DPO, two other policemen, and four vigilante members lost their lives during the gun battle.
The spokesman was quoted as saying:
“On 15/03/2022 at about 1300hrs, armed bandits/terrorists invaded Nasko village, Magama LGA of Niger State.
“Police operatives with vigilante members were immediately mobilized by DPO Nasko and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle in which some the hoodlums were neutralised and others escaped with gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, during the gun battle, the DPO, two other policemen, and four vigilante members lost their lives.”
Reinforcement drafted to forestall breakdown of law and order
CSP Abiodun further said the Area Commander, Kotangora, had drafted reinforcement with the military personnel to the area to forestall break down of law and order.
He said the command condoled with the families of officers and vigilante members who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.
The police spokesman also reassured members of the public that the command will not be deterred or relent in it’s effort to curb banditry in the state.
Meanwhile, The Nation in its reportage of the incident identified the slain DPO as CSP Umar Muhammed Dakin.
The newspaper added that the bandits invaded the police station and began shooting while the Police DPO was trying to mobilize his men to repel the attack.
Niger state governor reacts
On his part, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, has directed that the only honour for the slain compatriots is to rid Niger state of the activities of bandits.
He said his administration will continue to make sure that all necessary developmental activities going on across the state will continue, adding that they would not stop due to the activities of the terrorists.
According to honourable commissioner for local government, chieftaincy affairs, and internal security, Emmanuel Umar the recent setback in the successes achieved so far will not deter the governor from ensuring that Niger state is safe.
He added that the police, Army Air Force, and other security agencies in the state are all out to their identified locations to take the fight to the bandits' enclave.
Source: Legit.ng
