Matilda Omonaiye/
Nine suspected kidnappers operating on Abuja-Kaduna Road have been confirmed killed by policemen attached to Operation Puff Adder.
According to the police spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, the suspects were killed during a face-off with officers.
He said there was a serious exchange of gunfire between police operatives and heavily armed criminals at the Akilbu Forest in Abuja – Kaduna Road.
Mba added that two of the bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.
One of the policemen who sustained gunshot wounds has been taken to a hospital for treatment.
Mba said the police recovered six Ak 47 Rifles, one Pump Action Gun, 1,206 rounds of Ak 47 Ammunition, seven magazines, 28 cartridges, and 158 expended shells from the bandits during the operation.
He noted that efforts were being intensified to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
The acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who launched the operation recently, commended the police team for the success recorded.
He was also pleased with the progress made so far in the fight against kidnapping and other heinous crimes across the country.
The IGP gave assurance that the war against banditry would be won soon and sought the support of Nigerians for the police and other security agencies.