One civilian has been killed and a police inspector injured following a foiled bandit attack on security operatives in Kadarko community, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, said in a statement that the armed assailants ambushed officers on a night patrol along Kadarko Road, a border area between Nasarawa and Benue States.
The bandits reportedly opened fire on the patrol team, prompting a fierce gun battle in which the operatives repelled the attackers, forcing them to flee into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
Inspector Sunday Apochie sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange.
A reinforcement team from the Kadarko Division swiftly moved in, rescued the injured officer, and recovered his service AK-47 rifle.
Tragically, a civilian living near the scene was struck by a stray bullet from the fleeing attackers and died on the spot.
SP Nansel confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspects, and investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has extended condolences to the family of the deceased civilian.
He also visited Inspector Apochie, who is receiving treatment at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.
CP Mohammed assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and enhancing security in the area.
Reporting by Chris Nyamtu