- Three MOPOL officers were killed during an ambush in Katsina State
- Two other officers were injured and rushed to hospital
- The attack happened on the Guga–Bakori road during routine patrol
- Police have launched investigations to arrest the attackers
Three police officers have been killed and two others injured after suspected armed hoodlums ambushed a patrol team along the Guga–Bakori road in Katsina State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The attack occurred on Tuesday at about 12:44 p.m., when operatives of the Mobile Police (MOPOL) on routine anti-crime patrol were suddenly attacked by gunmen who opened fire on them.
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A resident of Bakori, Usman Ibrahim, told Arewa PUNCH that the officers were forced off the road before the attackers unleashed heavy gunfire.
“Their patrol vehicle was forced off the road and overturned a few metres before Layin ‘Yannehu, about four kilometres south of the Guga–Bakori road. The attackers then opened sustained gunfire on them,” Ibrahim said.
He confirmed that three officers died on the spot, while two others sustained injuries and were rushed to Bakori General Hospital for treatment. The patrol vehicle was also badly damaged during the ambush.
The slain officers were confirmed to be MOPOL operatives attached to the Guga detachment.
Security operatives, including the Bakori Divisional Police Officer, SP Adamu Hamza, and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), responded to the scene shortly after the attack, but the officers had already suffered fatal injuries.
Confirming the incident, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the officers fought back and successfully repelled the attackers.
“The officers responded bravely, repelling the attack. Unfortunately, three officers paid the supreme price, while two others sustained injuries and are currently responding to treatment,” the statement said.
The police added that investigations are ongoing to arrest those responsible for the attack.
The Bakori–Kankara axis has remained a major hotspot for banditry in Katsina State, despite a recent peace agreement between local communities and armed groups that had earlier reduced attacks in the area.