Police refutes claim that Bandits kill 20 Security Officers in Zamfara

Police refutes claim that Bandits kill 20 Security Officers in Zamfara

The Zamfara state police command in northwest Nigeria has called on the media to verify information before going to the press. It urged the media to do the needful following a report on the attack of some security personnel in the troubled state.

A statement from SP Mohammed Shehu ANIPR, PPRO, Zamfara state police command on Saturday said its attention was drawn to a misleading report published an online media claiming that “no fewer than 20 operatives of Nigeria Security agencies have been reportedly butchered in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State and bodies set ablaze by the notorious bandits operating in the state”.

SP Muhammed said the Command wishes to state that the report was inaccurate, and was published by the said media in an attempt to create fear and panic into the minds of the citizens.

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The statement reads: “What happened was that, on 28th October 2021, Joint Police /Civil Defence Operatives deployed along K/Namoda – Shinkafi Road to stem the tide of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes were ambushed by suspected armed bandits who came in large numbers.

“The operatives who were always at red alert engaged the hoodlums to an extensive gun duel that lasted for hours. Some of the assailants were neutralised while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, A Police Operative and two (2) Civil Defence Personnel paid the supreme price and their corpses were evacuated and buried accordingly.

“The Commissioner of Police while deploying reinforcement of Police Tactical operatives to the area, reiterates the continuous commitment and resilience of the Police to rid the State of all activities of criminal elements.

“In view of the above, the Command urges members of the public to ignore the outrageous number reported by the Online medium, and continue to be security conscious while going about their legitimate business.

“Similarly, Media organisations are also enjoined to always verify information from appropriate authority before publication.”

Police refutes claim that Bandits kill 20 Security Officers in Zamfara