- Urges media to verify information before reporting
The Zamfara State Police Command has dismissed reports by some online media outfit that 20 security operatives were killed by bandits.
The police confirmed that three security operatives were killed in the ambush in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
“The attention of Zamfara State Police Command has been drawn to misleading report published by Daily Post Online, that “no fewer than 20 operatives of Nigeria Security agencies have been reportedly butchered in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State and bodies set ablaze by the notorious bandits operating in the state”.
“The Command wishes to state that, the report was inaccurate, and was published by the said media in an attempt to create fear and panic into the minds of the citizens,” police spokesperson, SP Mohammed Shehu said.
According to the police, “What happened was that, on 28th October 2021, Joint Police /Civil Defence Operatives deployed along K/Namoda – Shinkafi Road to stem the tide of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes were ambushed by suspected armed bandits who came in large number.
“The operatives who were always at red alert engaged the hoodlums to an extensive gun duel that lasted for hours.
“Some of the assailants were neutralised while others escaped with possible gun shot wounds.
“Unfortunately, a police operative and two (2) Civil Defence Personnel paid the supreme price and their corpses were evacuated and buried accordingly.
The Commissioner of Police while deploying reinforcement of police tactical operatives to the area, reiterates the continuous commitment and resilience of the police to rid Zamfara of all activities of criminal elements.
“In view of the above, the Command urges members of the public to ignore the outrageous number reported by the Daily Post Online, and continue to be security conscious while going about their legitimate business.
“Similarly, media organisations are also enjoined to always verify information from appropriate authority before publication.”
