4 Nigerian policemen, army officer killed in clash with kidnappers

Four Nigerian policemen, a Captain in the army and a resident were killed on Sunday in the capital Lagos after gunmen attacked a community and kidnapped residents.

The victims who were part of a patrol team were reportedly ambushed after they rescued the kidnapped victims and killed.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said in a statement that the officers responded in time after a distress call that “militants/kidnappers had entered Owutu-Isawo in Ikorodu through the thick swampy forest surrounding the area”.

“Sadly, however, five out of the gallant, brave and patriotic officers lost their lives during the rescue operation. One of them was a Nigerian Army Captain, while the remaining four were policemen. One of the residents in the area also died,” he added.

The police commissioner assured that the perpetrators, who are believed to be at large, will be apprehended as investigations are ongoing.

Nine people including an infant were reported to have been kidnapped from their homes amidst sporadic gunfire.

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Olaolu Daudu confirmed to local media that the kidnapped victims sustained some level of injuries and are undergoing treatment.

The kidnappers believed to be over 20 entered the residential community using 10 speed boats along the creeks of Lagos, local media Vanguard reported.

Gang activities of this magnitude are common in Nigeria with the most recent being the kidnap of five students and two staff, including a Turkish national in January from an international school in Ogun State.