Police recover bodies of 5 officers ambushed in Zamfara,

By Faheem Lawal

Police tactical teams have recovered the bodies of five officers killed in an ambush while travelling to Zamfara State for rerun primary election duty, and rescued seven others alive and unhurt, as the Nigeria Police Force recorded operational successes across several states in the last 48 hours.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force’s VCRU and Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted the search-and-rescue operation on November 1.

Two other officers who sustained gunshot wounds were taken to hospital for treatment.

Joint reinforcements are combing the area to recover the officers’ stolen firearms and arrest the attackers, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gusau, is investigating the incident.

Police rescued three nursing mothers and recovered a Toyota Hummer bus following an armed attack near Ebiya Town, Ajaokuta Local Government, Kogi State, at about 11:17 p.m. on November 1.

One victim was found dead, while 13 passengers were abducted and taken into the bush.

Police operatives in Ogun State, killed an armed robber during a gun duel at Ijaba Area, Iyesi, Ota, at about 1:45 a.m. on November 1, while his accomplices escaped with bullet wounds.

“Items recovered included a locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, seven expended cartridges and two vehicles — a Nissan Almera and a Toyota Camry.

“In a separate incident, two truck drivers, Dahiru Saidu and Mamuda Idris, were arrested following a multiple-vehicle crash at Asejire on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway, Oyo State, which left seven occupants of a Honda Civic burnt beyond recognition.

“The Honda Civic reportedly collided with a FAW truck after hitting the rear tyre of a Dangote truck while swerving to avoid potholes.

“A joint team of police and military personnel arrested four suspects in Gombe State over the killing of Corporal Benjamin Jige, who was allegedly stabbed to death by suspected cultists.

“The suspects are Godwin Tanko, 42; Abuchi Simon, 27; Divine Omegle, 32; and Samuel Alonge, 21. They were arrested at New Legit Hotel.

“A Vikings Confraternity leader identified as “Bigi Rasta” and one Simon Joshua Junior are still at large.

‘ In Anambra State, Soldiers handed over Azubike Okoye, 34, who was arrested at Umuoba Anam Beach with a pump-action rifle, a long Dane gun and 13 live cartridges.

“The suspect claimed to be a vigilante member. Investigation is ongoing.

“ In Akwa IbomState ,operatives of the Quick Intervention Unit raided a drug den on Umuahia Road, Ikot Ekpene, arresting Fredrick Udom, 29; Francis Solomon Usuro, 23; and Abasiama Fredrick Udom, 38.Wraps of suspected Indian hemp and three suspected stolen phones were recovered.

“ In Delta State ,police recovered two live ammunition and two expended 7.62 x 39mm shells at Oviri-Ogor, Ughelli, following the abduction of Godbless Arenti, 27, from his apartment by gunmen.Efforts to rescue the victim are ongoing.

“ in Gombe State ,Ahijo Boyi, 29, was arrested with four rolls of vandalised electric cables.

He reportedly confessed to working with three other suspects who are currently at large.

“Two suspects were arrested in connection with the mob killing of Gideon Amidu, Enugu State ,who was allegedly stabbed by a mob and certified dead on arrival at St. Martin’s Hospital.

The police said all the cases were under investigation by the respective state Criminal Investigation Departments.”