The police command in Kaduna says its operatives have killed two bandits in Riheyi village within Fatika district of Giwa local government area.

The police command spokesman Mohammed Jalige announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

The statement said on Monday, at about 4.30 p.m., the operatives of the command attached to 47 PMF Squadron, Zaria, intercepted some bandits around the village.

The police statement added the incident happened while the operatives were on “confidence-building patrol” within the district of Giwa.

It further mentioned that the encounter, which resulted in a heavy gun duel, saw the police operatives “having the last laugh.”

“Having applied gallantry that successfully neutralised two bandits, they recovered an AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62 X 39mm live ammunition and an operational motorcycle,’’ said the police.

Police commissioner Mudassiru Abdullahi commended the officers for displaying “professionalism and courage to achieve the desired result,” according to the statement.

He tasked all operational and tactical commanders to imbibe the culture of rigorous patrols in their areas of jurisdiction.

The commissioner noted that criminal activities would increase with the festive season around the corner.

“According to the CP, with the Police as the lead agency in internal security, the need for vigilance and proactive policing cannot be overemphasised,” added the statement. “He warned that under his watch, dereliction of duty by any officer will be penalized accordingly.”

(NAN)