Not less than three suspected kidnappers have been shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with policemen in Kaduna state.
Armed with AK47 rifles, the suspects numbering five, had invaded the premises of Mother Cat, a construction company located at Mando area of Kaduna metropolis, with the intention of abducting some expatriate workers in the company.
They were said to have broken into the premises around 5:40 am on Wednesday, engaging the policemen guarding the company in a gun duel.
Three of the suspects were reportedly gunned down while two policemen sustained injuries in the gun battle.
The two wounded policemen were taken to the 44 Army Referral Hospital, Kaduna, where one later died.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Yakubu Sabo, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, said the gunmen opened fire immediately they had access into the comapny.
“At about 05:40am on Wednesday, some armed men entered the Mother Cat Company at Mando area shooting sporadically and attacking policemen on guard duty,” the statement read.
“During the fierce gun duel, two of our men AP No. 161126 Inspector Bijimi Maiyaki, F/No 251990 SGT. Kabiru Shuaibu attached to Operation Yaki sustained injuries and were rushed to 44 Army Reference Hospital for treatment.
“However, the NCO died while receiving treatment while the inspector was treated and discharged.”
Sabo said the items recovered from the “hoodlums” included four AK 47 Rifles; eight magazines with 130 live Ammunition, five pieces of suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a Golf Wagon vehicle with REG Number W 812 FST.
He said police team of operatives were on the trail of the “remaining two hoodlums” who escaped with bullet wounds.
He appealed to members of the public to assist the police with information on any suspicious movement in their respective neighborhood.
