One of the Islamic militants suspected to members of Boko Haram who attacked a Joint Task Force (JTF) checkpoint on Sallah Day in Kano northern Nigeria, has been arrested.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris said on Monday that his men are still on the trail of other fleeing members of the dreaded terrorists group.
According to the police boss, security agents have spread their dragnet to track down fleeing members of the sect hit by bullets when the security personnel repelled their attack on one of the check points in the city.
He spoke to reporters at the Palace of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
“My men have arrested one of the m with bullet injuries, while the search for others has been intensified; we plead with members of the public, especially the medical personnel to report the presence of any patient with bullet wound to the police.
He said the incident was over blown by the media as to him, the sallah ended on a peaceful note, pointing out that the attempt by the militants to attack a check point was repelled,
The CP, was at the Emir of kano to pay sallah homage . He said he was there to thank the Emir for his support to the campaign by security agents to rid kano of criminal activities.
Boko Haram militants and gunmen clashed in one of the check points in kano on Sunday.
spokesman of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Kano, LT Ikedichi Iweha said no military personnel was hurt in the confrontations which were prominent in Hotoro and Zaria road areas of the city.
“we learnt that some reporters have posted on the net that two soldiers were killed in the attack by the gun men, this is grossly in correct as no military man was injured, the only member who sustained slight gunshot injury in the foot is a mobile policeman who is still on his duty post as i speak with you” he explained in a chat with our correspondent.
It was gathered that the gun men struck at some of the check points in vehicles, even as LT Iweha said some of the attackers escaped with bullet injuries.
He said the task force men are combing the areas for the injured suspects, adding that those with bullet wounds would be arrested.
Meanwhile the Emir of kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero has commended the efforts of security agents in the state for their efforts at ensuring a violence-free Ramadan and sallah celebration.
He appealed to the kano public to give maximum support to the agencies to enable them perform their duty efficiently and effectively.
“the police and other agencies have done well so far and they need hundred percent of your support to protect your lives and properties”
He also commented on the controversial suspension of major traditional Sallah rituals like the traditional horse riding around the city and the durbar, saying “the body is no longer strong for some of these activities I have been conducting for over 50 years, sometimes you need rest”
The Emir’s clarification was to rest the speculation that the action was in response to the security challenges.