Ansaru terror group: 2 wanted terrorists, police inspector among casualties

The Nigeria Police on Thursday said two wanted terror commanders were killed, while three terrorists were arrested during the operations at Ansaru terror camp, Kuduru in Burnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

The police also disclosed that a police inspector, Muhammed Abubakar, attached to the Police Special Forces died as a result of injuries sustained in the crossfire.

No fewer than 13 officers, including the pilot and co-pilot of the helicopter that was attacked by the terrorists, were critically wounded.

The police had on Wednesday said no fewer than 250 bandits were killed when it attacked their hideout in Kuduru forest, Kaduna state.

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Giving an update on the operation, a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, gave the identity of the terror commander as Haruna Basullube, describing him as one of the most wanted kidnappers/cattle rustlers in the country.

The FPRO added that one Mallam Abba, who is also a commander of Boko Haram camp in Kuduru forest and one Mofa, a notorious kidnapper, was critically injured.

The police said the operation was successful as a cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered.

Mba also said the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has deployed crack detectives and special forensic investiga­tors from the force headquarters to expedite investigations into the broad criminal enterprise of the group and their associates.

The statement said, “In spite of the successes of the operation, one Inspector Muhammed Abubakar attached to the Police Special Forces regrettably died as a result of injuries sustained in the heat of the combat.

“Thirteen other officers, made up of two SPs, one DSP, four inspectors and six sergeants, including the pilot and co-pilot of the police helicopter, sustained different degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

“The late Inspector Abubakar was one of the finest officers of the Police Special Forces with vast training and operational background, both at home and abroad.”

The statement said the IGP, who condoled with the family, friends, and professional colleagues of the late officer restated the commitment of the police force to the safety of its personnel and the nation.

It added that some of the exhibits recovered by the during the operation include 11 AK-47 rifles, 730 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, 152 rounds of GPMG ammunition in two chains, 13 pairs of military camouflage uniforms, two cartons and 48 sachets of tramadol, four facemasks, phones and other electronic gadgets which are currently subject of forensic investigations.

Meanwhile, residents of and around Birnin-Gwari axis of Kaduna State have been enjoined to be on the lookout for fleeing bandits, especially those with bullet wounds and report every suspicious behaviour to the police.