Time To Rethink Strategy Against Armed Bandits As They Kill DPO, 2 Others In Katsina
The Oasis Reporters
February 12, 2022
The relative ease in which armed bandits killed a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) named A. Rano in Jibia local government area of Katsina State during an attack on Magama section of Jibia town, certainly calls for a review on the modus operandi of security forces in responding to distress calls.
According to residents of Jibia, the gunmen attacked the town at about 3a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, firing gunshots sporadically.
The attack lasted for about 3 hours as security agents and vigilante members fought back.
The bandits reportedly stormed the home of a businessman known as Alhaji Lauwali Magama in Magama Jibia. They abducted the wife of the businessman and their daughter.
Neighbours immediately alerted the police who mobilised vigilante members and soldiers to the area.
However, the bandits, who had positioned themselves strategically, ambushed the vehicle bringing officers to the village.
They fired shots at the car from all angles, killing the DPO instantly.
Another police officer and a civilian were said to have been killed in the attack, while two soldiers were left with severe bullet wounds.
The open rush to confront bandits in display of bravado that ends in tragic outcomes needs a rethink, so as not to discourage future rescue efforts.
One thing is certain, bandits are known to stake out the routes of operations and lay ambushes.
American security forces use an app to track potential terrorist activities
Nigeria needs to go that way. Before a patrol vehicle moves to a scene of action, let stealth drones lead the way, relaying live images to the control center.
Nigeria has a satellite in space. Can it not be programmed to relay specific images from a mapped area to ground forces ?
Let’s rethink security expenditure, equipment and modernization before bandits ‘dispirit’ rescue efforts by dampening the fighting spirit in the nation’s military and Police personnel.
Greg Abolo
Additional reporting: Daily Trust
