Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Fatai Owoseni, says the command in synergy with sister security agencies has commenced a manhunt for the suspected militants that killed four policemen, an army captain and another civilian on Sunday.
In a statement on Sunday while Owoseni who was responding to the killings by militants in Isawo area of Ikorodu in Lagos state, noted that the officers were killed while trying to rescue some people abducted by the unidentified gunmen.
He said, “At about 1a.m on Sunday April 9, the Police received distress call that a group of militants/kidnappers had entered Owutu-Isawo in Ikorodu through the thick swampy forest surrounding the area.
“They were reported to have kidnapped some residents. In response, the Police and the Army immediately mobilized personnel to the area, where the kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Sadly, however, five out of the gallant, brave and patriotic officers lost their lives during the rescue operation.
“One of them is a Nigerian Army Captain, while the remaining four are Policemen. One of the residents in the area also died.
“We pray that the God Almighty reward their loyalty to the nation with Paradise and grant their souls peaceful rest.
“We also pray that God gives their respective families the courage to bear the loss,” Owoseni said.
“The Command will like to assure the public that with synergy from sister security agencies, the criminal elements involved in this dastardly act shall be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“We will continue to rely on the good people of Lagos State for useful information and their partnership,” he said.
The commissioner said that the officers were killed while trying to rescue some people abducted by the unidentified gunmen, stressing that one army Captain and a civilian were among the six persons killed.
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