One Officer K!lled As FCT Police Command Engages Suspected Cultists In Gun Battle, Arrests 19 (Photos)

A police officer has been k!lled following a clash between the FCT Police Command and suspected cultists in Bakassi Yimitu Village, located in the Apo-Waru axis of the Federal Capital Territory, on Wednesday, July 24.

Following several reports from residents of the area, the police in conjunction with local vigilantes and hunters, stormed the area to conduct a crime prevention patrol.

During the operation, the team encountered a gathering suspected to be that of the reported cultists who have been terrorizing the area. Upon sighting security personnel, they opened fire.

A gun duel ensued, leading to the arrest and detention of nineteen (19) suspects at Waru Police Outstation, while others escaped with various degrees of bodily injuries. Sadly, one Police officer and a local vigilante sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention but passed away afterwards.

Shortly after, the escaped assailants regrouped, mobilized, and launched an attack on the Waru Police Outstation in an attempt to free their detained accomplices, vandalizing parts of the facility, three (3) patrol Hilux vehicles, and damaging six (6) privately owned cars within the premises. The miscreants were repelled.

Reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the scene, and normalcy has since been restored.

Confirming the development to newsmen, the FCT police command spokesperson, CSP Josephine Adeh, said the command's commissioner, CP Ajao S. Adewale, assured the public that the command will not rest until other members of the syndicate at large are arrested and brought to book. The CP strongly condemned the attacks, warning that any assault on police personnel or formations will attract the full wrath of the law.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities via 08032003913, 08028940883.