The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Paiko, Headquarters of Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Mukhtar Abbas and four other policemen have been killed by bandits in Niger state.
The police officers were killed in gun duel with the bandits who attempted to attack some communities around Gurara Local Government Area on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Office, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the bandits had attempted to attack Chibani Market in Munyan Local Government Area but were killed by local vigilantes.
He further stated that another set of bandits had tried to attack communities around Lambata when they were engaged in a gun battle with security operatives.
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“Similarly, on Saturday, at about 11am, information was received that bandits were sighted around Kwakuti-Dajigbe area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around the Gurara LGA.
“Combined teams of police from Gawu-Babangida Div and Paiko Div, military, and vigilante members were drafted to the scene, the bandits were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them being neutralised, while others escaped with bullet injuries.
“Regrettably, the DPO, Paiko, SP Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other policemen from both divisions lost their lives during the gun duel,” the statement read.
Abiodun further stated that the bodies of the deceased officer had been recovered.
