President Muhammadu Buhari’s advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers came under attack by terrorists on Tuesday, near Dutsinma, Katsina State.
The team was heading to Buhari’s hometown Daura ahead of him for Sallah.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu confirmed the attack. He was however silent on the casualty figure.
The statement said, “The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome, the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.
“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.
“Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura.”
In a separate statement, Katsina police spokesman Gambo Isah said that the police area commander for Dutsinma, Aminu Umar, and one other were killed in the ambush.
Although Isah did not specify that the attack was on the presidential team, the description of the location matched those of the presidential team that was attacked.
“Today (Tuesday), July 5, 2022 at about 11.30am, a distress call was received that terrorists numbering over 300, on motorcycles, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns, ambushed ACP Aminu Umar, Area Commander, Dutsinma and team, while on clearance operation of recalcitrant bandits/terrorists, in Zakka Forest, Safana Local Government Area of Katsina state.
“Consequently, the Area Commander and one other gallantly lost their lives during a cross exchange of gun fire.
“The Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda, on behalf of the officers and men of the command, expresses his deep sympathy to the family of the deceased and pray to almighty Allah to repose their souls in Jannatul Firdausi,” said Isah.
