25th December, 2014
Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Four armed robbers were gunned down by anti-robbery police squad on the night of 24 December when they blocked motorists along Zaria Road in Kano, northwest Nigeria.
Kano state Commissioner of Police, Adenrele Shinaba told journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters that his men engaged the armed robbers in a gun duel at about 10:00 p.m. along Kurna Dangora, near Kariya village, close to Nigeria Law School in Bagauda, Kano.
Shinaba, who also paraded a 13-year-old suicide bomber on Wednesday, said his men are on alert to ensure that activities of both criminals and terrorists are put under check in the state.
Shinaba said the robbers met their waterloo when they wanted to rob travellers, but were trailed and subdued by the police who possessed superior fire-power.
“You know this is Christmas and these robbers wanted to use the opportunity to disturb law abiding Nigerians. We have a number of security measures. We have been on patrol throughout the night. This morning, we have gone round all the churches to ensure that everywhere is calm and all security measures have been put in place to ensure that Nigerians and Kano residents have a peaceful celebration.
“At about 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, our men on patrol encountered armed robbers on the high way, precisely at Kurna Dangora towards the Nigeria Law School.
“During ensuing shoot-out, four of them died and four arms and other ammunition were recovered from them,” the police boss stated.
Among exhibits recovered from the armed robbers and displayed by the police include three baretta pistols, one revolver pistol, charms, amulets and ammunition, including two masks.
According to Shinaba, armed robbers have been operating within that axis in recent times and police mounted surveillance on them, adding that, Kano remains a no-go area for armed robbers and other criminals.
“Police are fully determined to protect lives and property. Christmas is not made for armed robbery or armed robbers; it is made for law-abiding citizens. Criminals and their cohorts should better leave Kano for us. We will never allow criminals to take over the state,” he stated.