Police have confirmed that six individuals were injured in a crossfire between security agencies and bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
The police said the incident occurred on January 6, 2024, when a large group of bandits attempted to cross the highway and was confronted by security operatives.
The Kaduna State Police Command, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansur Hassan, clarified the situation in response to a report of an abduction on the same day near Kateri.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Ali urged journalists to verify information with concerned security agencies before publishing.
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Daily Trust had reported that travelers were abducted near Kateri village during a 45-minute operation by bandits on Tuesday.
The command emphasised the need for journalists to always correct misinformation with security agencies before going to press.
The police said the incident took place around Dogon Fili area, and during the exchange, six individuals sustained varying degrees of bullet injuries.
“The injured include Jibrin Tasiu, Jummai Abubakar, Zafira Abubakar, AbdulKarim Nurudeen, L/Cpl Chinedu Jerry Moneke, and Ayo James. All were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention,” he said.
The police called on the public in the affected area to report any person with suspected bullet injuries to the nearest police station or security outfit.
The command stressed that the incident was an unfortunate isolated occurrence, stating that the Kaduna-Abuja expressway has been fortified for the safety of commuters.