The police say “one of the most wanted kidnappers in Nigeria” was among those killed during the raid on the camp of the Ansaru militant group in Kaduna state.
In a statement on Thursday, Frank Mba, police spokesman, said one Haruna Basullube was killed alongside a “notorious” commander of the militants identified as Bashir Leta.
He added that the police also lost Muhammed Abubakar, an inspector, while 13 officers sustained injuries in the operation which he had earlier said led to the deaths of “250 bandits and terrorists”.
“In the aftermath of the Police counter-terrorism operations which successfully neutralized the operational bases of the Ansaru Terrorists’ Group and bandits, one Haruna Basullube ‘m’ – one of the most wanted kidnappers/cattle rustlers in the country and one Bashir Leta ‘m’ – another notorious bandits’ commander were killed; while one Mallam Abba ‘m’ – Commander of Boko Haram camp in Kuduru Forest and one Mofa ‘m’ – a notorious kidnapper were critically injured,” he 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 2 SPs, 1 DSP, 4 Inspectors and 6 Sergeants) including the Pilot and Co-pilot of the Police helicopter, sustained different degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment.”
Mba listed some weapons recovered during the operation as 11 AK47 rifles, 730 rounds of live AK47 ammunition, 152 rounds of GPMG ammunition in two chains, 13 pairs of military camouflage uniforms, two cartons and 48 sachets of tramadol among others.
”Meanwhile, as mop-up operations continue, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A. 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,” Mba said.
“Citizens living in 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 behavior to the Police.”