An unknown number of persons died while others sustained injuries during an attack on the advance team of security guards, protocols and officers of president Muhammadu Buhari by terrorists.
They were in Katsina ahead of the president’s Sallah trip to his hometown in Daura, Katsina State.
The presidency described the act as a sad and an unwelcome development.
This is as terrorists also ambushed and killed an Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP, Aminu Umar Dayi, in charge of Dutsinma Area Command in Katsina, following a fierce gun duel.
In a release Tuesday night by presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the presidency disclosed that a few people died, while the two persons, who sustained injuries during the attack were already receiving treatment.
But other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura, the terse statement added.
Titled “Gallant Presidential Guards Repel Attack on Advance Team Ahead of President’s Visit”, the presidency stated that, the shooting incident happened near Dutsinma, Katsina State.
“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.
“Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered and few personnel, who lost their lives have been deposited at the hospital. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura,” the statement stated.
Meanwhile, the late Assistant Commissioner of Police, who was killed on Monday, had reportedly led a police team to Kurfi, where they killed one of the terrorists’ commanders.
Angered by the death of their commander, the terrorists allegedly turned out en masseon Monday and laid an ambush in order to avenge the killing of one of them.
Unfortunately for the late Dutsinma Area Commander, while leading his team on their usual clearance operation of the terrorrists, were ambushed and overpowered by the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle that eventually led to his death and another officer.
The late ACP had led the war against terrorists on several occasions leading to the killings and arrest of many of the hoodlums.
Spokesperson for the Katsina Force Command, SP Gambo Isah, however, confirmed the development.
“Today 06/07/2022 at about 1130hrs, a distress call was received that terrorists numbering over 300, on motorcycles, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), ambushed ACP Aminu Umar, Area Commander, Dutsinma and team, while on clearance operation of recalcitrant bandits/terrorists, in Zakka forest, Safana LGA of Katsina state. Consequently, the Area Commander and one other gallantly lost their lives during a cross exchange of gun fire.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Idrisu Dabban Dauda, on behalf of the officers and men of the Command, expresses his deep sympathy to the family of the deceased and pray to almighty Allah to repose their souls in Jannatul Firdausi.
“Dabban reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force commitment on the ongoing onslaught against terrorism in the state until it is completely routed out, please.”
