MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH/Kano

Four robbers were killed Thursday night by the anti-robbery police squad in Kano State, following the exchange of gun fire after the robbers blocked motorists along Zaria Road in Kano, northwest Nigeria.

Kano state Commissioner of Police, Adenrele Shinaba told journalists at the Bompai Police headquarters that his men engaged the armed robbers in a gun duel at about 10 P.M. along Kurna Dangora, near Kariya village, close to Nigeria Law School in Bagauda, Kano.

Shinaba said his men are on red alert to ensure that activities of both criminals and terrorists are put under check within the state.

“You know this is Christmas and these robbers wanted to use the opportunity to disturb law abiding Nigerians. We have a number of security measures. We have been on patrol throughout the night. This morning, we have gone round all the churches to ensure that everywhere is calm and all security measures have been put in place to ensure that Nigerians and Kano resident have a peaceful celebration.

“At about 10 P.M. on Wednesday, December 24, our men on patrol had encounter with armed robbers on the high way, precisely at Kurna Dangora towards the Nigeria Law School. During ensuing shoot-out, four of them died and four arms and other ammunitions were recovered from them,” the police boss stated.

Among exhibits recovered from the armed robbers were three Barreta pistols, one revolver, charms, amulets and ammunitions, including two masks.

According to Shinaba, armed robbers have been operating within that axis in recent times and police mounted surveillance on them, adding that Kano remains a no-go area for armed robbers and other criminals.

“Police are fully determined to protect lives and property. Christmas is not made for armed robbery or armed robbers; it is made for law-abiding citizens. Criminals and their cohorts should better leave Kano for us. We will never allow criminals to take over the state,” he stated.