Police foil bandit attack in Zamfara, kill ‘notorious kingpin’

Four civilian protection guard members, two hunters, and a policeman were killed by bandits in Zamfara in a fierce battle between the bandits and the security personnel.

Several bandits were also said to have been killed during the clash, which occurred in the early hours of today, Friday.

Two hunters who were seriously wounded are currently receiving medical treatment at the Federal Medical Center in Gusau.

In a statement, the spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the clash occurred at about 1540 hours of today, Friday, when the bandits, who were in large numbers, stormed Keta village in the Tsafe Local Government Area of the state intending to attack the villagers.

He said, to repel the attack, a joint operation comprising the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorists Unit, hunters, and Civilian Protection Guard members (CPG) were mobilised and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

During the encounter, one PMF personnel, four Community Protection Guard (CPG) members, and two hunters made the ultimate sacrifice during the attack.

He further explained that two hunters were currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.

The statement said, “As part of the Zamfara State Police Command’s efforts to rid the state of crime and restore confidence among its citizens, a joint operation was conducted to repel a bandits’ attack on Keta town in Tsafe LGA.

“At approximately 1540hrs, a good Samaritan reported that a large number of armed bandits had stormed Keta town with the intention of perpetrating their inhumane acts.

“In response, a joint operation comprising PMF, CTU, hunters, and CPG mobilised and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

“Regrettably, one PMF personnel, four Community Protection Guard (CPG) members, and two hunters made the ultimate sacrifice during the attack.

“Two hunters are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.”

Abubakar, however, explained that the operation was successful as a large number of bandits, including the notorious kingpin Dan Isuhu Mudale, who had been terrorising Tsafe and its environs, were killed during the encounter.

He reassured the people of the state that the police were committed to restoring peace in the state.

He urged the people of the state to report any suspicious behaviour to the security agencies for prompt action.