By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) – At least four policemen and a soldier were killed Sunday shortly after they rescued some abduction victims from a militants’ hideout in Ikorodu, a riverine suburb in Nigeria’s southwestern Lagos state, according to the local government.
The country’s official news agency NAN — quoting anonymous sources — said five policemen and two soldiers, including an army captain, had been killed in the shootout between the security agencies and the militants in Ishawo area of Ikorodu.
However, the Lagos government confirmed the deaths of only four policemen and one soldier.
“Lagos State Government commiserates with the families of four police officers and one army captain that lost their lives in Ishawo area of Ikorodu after an ambush unleashed on them by militants,” information commissioner Steve Ayorinde said in a statement Sunday night.
Ayorinde said the officers were killed after successfully rescuing kidnapped victims kept in the riverine area by the militants.
The incident “reinforced its resolve to go after criminal elements and their collaborators who are using coastal areas and illegal waterfront settlements as havens or escape routes to perpetrate evil and criminal activities,” according to the official.
Kidnapping and gang violence have been hallmarks of several Nigerian waterfront communities which often shelter militants who sabotage oil installations for commercial purpose and escape through the waterways.
