Joy Anyim
Suspected soldiers have killed three policemen attached to the Inspector-General of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and a civilian, in Taraba State.
The deceased officers, an Inspector and two Sergeants, it was learnt, were on investigation duties.
They had arrested a high profile kidnap-for-ransom kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu and rescued some victims, before they were ambushed by the soldiers.
The policemen, who were led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Felix Adolije, were driving to the Command Headquarters in Jalingo, when men of the Nigerian Army opened fire on them along Ibi–Jalingo Road, in Taraba State.
Confirming the attack, in a press statement issued, on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said other operatives had sustained heavy gunshot wounds.
Explaining what went down, Mba said the soldiers also freed the suspect. “ The Police Operatives, led by ASP Felix Adolije of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were on investigation activities in Taraba State.
“They reportedly came under sudden attack and serious shooting by soldiers of the Nigerian Army, along Ibi–Jalingo Road, Taraba State.
“The Operatives had arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu, and were taking him to the Command Headquarters, in Jalingo.
“They were shot at severally by the soldiers despite sufficient proof that they are police personnel on legitimate duty.
“Three policemen and one civilian died as a result of gunshot injuries sustained in the attack, while others sustained serious gunshot wounds.
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“The soldiers, thereafter, released the handcuffed suspect, Alhaji Hamisu, who is now on the run.”
Speaking on the personality of the kidnap kingpin, Mba said, “ Alhaji Hamisu, is a notorious kidnap kingpin. He has been on the Police wanted list for his complicity in several high-profile kidnap cases including the recent abduction of an Oil-Mogul in Taraba State wherein a ransom of about N100 million was paid. ”
The Force Spokesperson further stated that IGP Adamu Mohammed had ordered full-fledge investigations into the bizarre and unfortunate incident.
The police chief had also directed the AIG Medicals to proceed to Jalingo to ensure concerted efforts in the treatment of the injured Police officers, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue.