Segun Atanda/
Army and Police authorities have explained how kidnappers ambushed and killed four policemen, a civilian and one soldier who were out to rescue some victims at Isawo, in Ikorodu, Lagos today.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said that the police were working with sister security agencies to arrest suspected militants when they suffered the casualty.
The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Daudu also spoke for the military in a separate statement sent to NewsmakersNG.
The statement from Lt Col Daudu says, “At about 3.00 am today Sunday, 9th April 2017, a patrol team led by a Nigerian Army officer responded to a distress call by the police requesting for reinforcement because of some suspected criminals have invaded Yewa Community, Isawo in Ikorodu, Lagos state and abducted some persons.
“The combined team in a swift response was able to successfully foil the kidnap attempt and rescued all the abducted victims. Nine of the victims, including an infant of about 2 years old, were rescued from the criminals.
“However, on their way back, they were ambushed by a suspected criminal gang. During the clearance of the ambush, unfortunately, 4 policemen lost their lives while the army officer who led the operation sustained gunshot wounds and die on the way to the hospital. Similarly, 4 of the rescued kidnapped victims, including the infant, sustained injuries during the encounter: They have all been evacuated to a hospital and are responding to treatment.
“The Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Elias Attu and Commissioner of Police Lagos state, Mr Fatai Owoseni were on ground to access the situation as well as give impetus to the pursuit of the fleeing criminals.
“Meanwhile, a combined team of the Police and Military is in hot pursuit of the suspected kidnappers who fled the scene carrying the dead bodies of their colleagues and the wounded.
“The combined team is on their trail as they have vowed that the death of the gallant officer and men of the Nigeria Police who fought bravely for the success of the operation will not be in vain.
“We would like to use this medium to implore anyone with useful information to come forward while reassuring the general public especially the residents of Isawo community in Ikorodu of their continued safety.”
Another statement issued by the police says, “At about 1 a.m of today Sunday, April 9, the Police received distress call that a group of militants/kidnappers had entered Owutu-Isawo in Ikorodu through the thick swampy forest surrounding the area.
“They were reported to have kidnapped some residents. In response, the Police and the Army immediately mobilised personnel to the area, where the kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Sadly, however, five out of the gallant, brave and patriotic officers lost their lives during the rescue operation. One of them is a Nigerian Army Captain, while the remaining four are Policemen. One of the residents in the area also died.
“We pray that the God Almighty reward their loyalty to the Nation with Paradise and grant their souls peaceful rest.
“We also pray that God gives their respective families the courage to bear the loss.
“The Command will like to assure the public that with synergy from sister security agencies, the criminal elements involved in this dastardly act shall be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“We will continue to rely on the good people of Lagos State for useful information and their partnership.”
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