Five police officers killed in gun duel with bandits in Bauchi

The Bauchi state police command says five officers have been killed and two others injured in a gun duel with suspected bandits in Sabon Sara village, Darazo LGA, of the state. 

In a statement on Sunday, the command said its tactical teams were on an intelligence-led visibility patrol on Saturday while working to prevent farmer-herder clashes in the area when they were ambushed by unidentified youths.

The command said the attack occurred at about 11:30 a.m. and involved personnel of the rapid response squad (RRS), 10 PMF Bauchi, the anti-kidnapping unit (AKU), and the state intelligence department (SID).

Those killed were Ahmad Muhammad, a DSP of the state intelligence department; Mustapha Muhammad, an ASP of 10 PMF; Amarhel Yunusa, an inspector of 10 PMF; Idris Ahmed, an inspector of 10 PMF; and Isah Muazu, a corporal of the anti-kidnapping unit.

Two other officers, Isah Musa and Yusuf Gambo, who are inspectors of the state intelligence department, sustained injuries.

Ahmed Wakil, an ASP and spokesperson of the command, said reinforcements were immediately deployed after the ambush.

“Upon receiving the report, the DPO in Darazo led a team to the scene and successfully evacuated both the injured and the deceased officers,” he said. 

“The injured personnel were rushed to the general hospital in Darazo, while the remains of the fallen heroes have been deposited at the morgue.”

Wakil said several bandits were also neutralised during the shootout, adding that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers.

“The command is fully committed to ensuring that the criminals responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” he said.

Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commissioner of police in Bauchi, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and extended condolences to the families of the slain officers.

“These brave men paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he was quoted as saying. 

“The task has not been an easy one, but in line with our constitutional mandate, we shall remain fierce, tireless, and relentless in protecting the lives and property of the people of Bauchi state.”

The command urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies.