2 injured as suspected bandits attack Nigerian president’s security convoy

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) - Gunmen suspected to be bandits opened fire Tuesday on the security convoy of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina state, according to an official.

Presidential spokesman Garba Shehu issued a statement confirming the attack, saying two people in the convoy sustained minor injuries.

Shehu said the convoy, which was carrying a team of security guards as well as protocol and media officers, was on its way to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, to prepare for his visit when the attack took place.

“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy,” said the statement.

“Two people in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura.”

“The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State,” the statement added.

Buhari is scheduled to visit Katsina during the Sallah celebration, an Islamic festival, which will be held over the weekend.

Terrorists meanwhile have killed the Dutsinma Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ACP Aminu Umar, and one gallant officer in the Zakka forest of the Safana local government area in Katsina state.

The spokesman for the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, confirmed the killing in a statement issued Tuesday.

“At about 1130 hours, a distress call was received that terrorists numbering over 300 on motorcycles, shooting sporadically with AK-47 rifles and general purpose machine guns, ambushed ACP Aminu Umar, Area Commander, Dutsinma and team while (they were) on a clearance operation against recalcitrant bandits/terrorists in the Zakka forest, Safana LGA of Katsina state,” he said.

“Consequently, the area commander and one other gallant officer lost their lives during a cross-exchange of gunfire.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dabban Dauda, on behalf of the officers and men of the command expressed his deep sympathy to the families of the deceased and prayed to Almighty Allah to repose their souls in Jannatul Firdaus, or the highest level of heaven.

He then reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the ongoing onslaught against terrorism in the state until it is completely rooted out.