Surrender Now Or Face ‘Fire’ – Police Warn Bandits In Zamfara

The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of two of its officers by bandits in the state.

A statement made available to newsmen earlier today by Mr Ayuba Elkana, the State Commissioner of Police, revealed that the personnel and two other persons from a sister-security agency were gunned down while attempting to rescue staff and students of the state’s college of Agriculture and Animal Science.

The school, Naija News understands was attacked by the bandits who reportedly came in their large numbers.

The police command warned the bandits to relinquish themselves now or be ready to face the wrath of being criminals.

According to Elkana, the strategic and tactical Commanders visited the institution to find out the damages done by the notorious hoodlums.

The statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Mohammed Shehu, reads; “The bandits who were in large number came to the school at about midnight with intent to abduct a large number of students and staff, but were heavily confronted by the Tactical Police Operatives who were alerted and responded to the scene on time. Unfortunately, a Police Inspector and two other civilian guards lost their lives, while 15 students and 4 staff were abducted by the bandits.

“The Police operatives while on extensive bush combing at the surrounding areas rescued three staff who will be debriefed and medically examined before being reunited with their families,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner, while at the school, held an emergency meeting where he assured the school management and the victims’ relations that the Command in collaboration with other security agencies are employing various search and rescue strategies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students and staff currently in captivity.

Mr Elkana further went around the school and assessed the existing security arrangements to enable more reinforcement to be provided against further invasion.

The Provost of the school while briefing the Commissioner, commended the swift response of the police operatives, for standing their ground despite the abduction of 15 students and four staff of the institution.