The Nigerian Army in Lagos on Sunday confirmed the
death of a soldier and four policemen in an ambush by
suspected criminal gangs in Ishawo Community in
Ikorodu.
The confirmation was made in a statement by 81
Division’s Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, Lt.-
Col. Olaolu Saudi.
“At about 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, a patrol team led by
a Nigerian Army officer responded to a distress call.
“The distress call was from the police requesting for
reinforcement because some suspected criminals had
invaded Yewa Community, Isawo in Ikorodu, Lagos State
and abducted some persons.
“The combined team in a swift response was able to
successfully foil the kidnap attempt and rescued all the
abducted victims.
“Nine of the victims, including an infant of about two
years old were rescued from the criminals.
“However, on their way back, they were ambushed by a
suspected criminal gang.
“During the clearance of the ambush, unfortunately four
policemen lost their lives while the army officer who led
the operation sustained gunshot wounds and died on the
way to the hospital.
“Similarly, four of the rescued victims of the kidnap,
including the infant, sustained injuries during the
encounter.
“They have all been evacuated to a hospital and are
responding to treatment,” the statement said.
It added that the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias
Attu and Commissioner of Police, Lagos state, Mr Fatai
Owoseni, had assessed the situation and gave impetus
to the pursuit of the fleeing criminals.
“Meanwhile, a combined team of the Police and military
is in hot pursuit of the suspected kidnappers who fled
the scene carrying the dead bodies of their colleagues
and the wounded.
“The combined team is on their trail as they have vowed
that the death of the gallant officer and men of the
Nigerian Police who fought bravely for the success of
the operation will not be in vain.
“We would like to use this medium to implore anyone
with useful information to come forward.
“We are also reassuring the general public, especially the
residents of Isawo community in Ikorodu, of their
continued safety,” the statement said.
Militants struck at Woodland Estate close to Ishawo
Creeks and engaged security personnel in a gun duel.
It was unclear if there were any casualties on the part of
the militants, although security forces were said to have
reinforced and stormed the area for reconnaissance and
possible counter-action.
It also reported on March 13 that the militants returned
to the area, and the residents were living in fear.
The militants, whose trade are kidnapping and oil theft,
were chased out of the area in Aug. 2016 by the state’s
Task Force, after several bloody clashes in the
community.
death of a soldier and four policemen in an ambush by
suspected criminal gangs in Ishawo Community in
Ikorodu.
The confirmation was made in a statement by 81
Division’s Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, Lt.-
Col. Olaolu Saudi.
“At about 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, a patrol team led by
a Nigerian Army officer responded to a distress call.
“The distress call was from the police requesting for
reinforcement because some suspected criminals had
invaded Yewa Community, Isawo in Ikorodu, Lagos State
and abducted some persons.
“The combined team in a swift response was able to
successfully foil the kidnap attempt and rescued all the
abducted victims.
“Nine of the victims, including an infant of about two
years old were rescued from the criminals.
“However, on their way back, they were ambushed by a
suspected criminal gang.
“During the clearance of the ambush, unfortunately four
policemen lost their lives while the army officer who led
the operation sustained gunshot wounds and died on the
way to the hospital.
“Similarly, four of the rescued victims of the kidnap,
including the infant, sustained injuries during the
encounter.
“They have all been evacuated to a hospital and are
responding to treatment,” the statement said.
It added that the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias
Attu and Commissioner of Police, Lagos state, Mr Fatai
Owoseni, had assessed the situation and gave impetus
to the pursuit of the fleeing criminals.
“Meanwhile, a combined team of the Police and military
is in hot pursuit of the suspected kidnappers who fled
the scene carrying the dead bodies of their colleagues
and the wounded.
“The combined team is on their trail as they have vowed
that the death of the gallant officer and men of the
Nigerian Police who fought bravely for the success of
the operation will not be in vain.
“We would like to use this medium to implore anyone
with useful information to come forward.
“We are also reassuring the general public, especially the
residents of Isawo community in Ikorodu, of their
continued safety,” the statement said.
Militants struck at Woodland Estate close to Ishawo
Creeks and engaged security personnel in a gun duel.
It was unclear if there were any casualties on the part of
the militants, although security forces were said to have
reinforced and stormed the area for reconnaissance and
possible counter-action.
It also reported on March 13 that the militants returned
to the area, and the residents were living in fear.
The militants, whose trade are kidnapping and oil theft,
were chased out of the area in Aug. 2016 by the state’s
Task Force, after several bloody clashes in the
community.
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