Matilda Omonaiye/
Two police officers on special operations were battling for their lives today after sustaining gunshot wounds from suspected terrorists who opened fire on their helicopter in Kaduna.
One CSP Teslim, identified as the captain of the helicopter and DSP Shittu Abubakar, the co-pilot were part of Operation Puff Adder of the Nigeria Police backed by the Special Forces of the Police Airwing that embarked on a daring offensive operation early today.
They came under heavy fire from suspected terrorists as they stormed one of the largest operational camps of the Ansaru Terror Group, which according to the police spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, was also housing other bandits and kidnappers inside Kuduru Forest, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.
“Unfortunately, during the operation, a Police Bell helicopter, which provided aerial and intelligence cover for the ground troops came under attack from the bandits using sophisticated anti-aircraft rifles and GPMG. Commendably, the pilot and the co-pilot who demonstrated uncommon courage and expertise successfully landed the aircraft at the Air Force Base, Kaduna without further incident. They were thereafter evacuated for medical treatment. Both officers who sustained non-life threatening injuries are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition,” Mba revealed in a statement sent to NewsmakersNG.
He added that the police successfully neutralized over 250 high-profile members of the Ansaru Terror Group.
Mba further stated that the operation, which commenced in the early hours of today, was carried out by a combined team of operatives of Operation Puff Adder made up of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“The operation was necessitated by actionable intelligence linking terror and criminal elements in the super camp to series of terror-related violence, kidnappings, gun-running, cattle rustling and other heinous crimes across the country,” he said.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the Police helicopter has since been flown out of the Kaduna Air Force Base by Police Pilots en-route to Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has assured citizens of safety and sustained intelligence-led operations against bandits across the length and breadth of the nation. He has equally applauded the unparalleled bravery, commitment and dedication of the Police operatives currently conducting the special mission.
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