Two Policemen Killed During Shootout with Pipeline Vandals in Lagos

There was confusion in the Obadore area of Igando, Lagos, on Thursday after some suspected pipeline vandals engaged policemen attached to the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism in a gun battle.

Punch learnt that during the shootout, two of the officers were killed, while others sustained bullet injuries. It was gathered that the vandals, who numbered about 20, had burst two underground pipelines and were stealing fuel when the police team arrived.

The task force, acting on a tip-off, had stormed Obadore. It was gathered that the task force was able to intercept three fuel-laden tankers and two empty ones found at the scene. The team also reportedly arrested a female suspected vandal, identified simply as Anchika. Another source said it was when the policemen wanted to leave with the exhibits that the heavily-armed vandals, who had laid an ambush, opened fire on the task force. She said, “The clash occurred in the early hours of Thursday. The police were acting on a tip-off that those vandals were at the Obadore waterside with their tankers. So, the task force moved in and they were able to intercept the tankers.

"They seized three fuel-laden boats and two empty others. They arrested a female suspected pipeline vandal. As they made to leave the area, other vandals opened fire on the task force and the policemen replied. At the end of the shootout, two of the policemen were seriously wounded and two were killed. Some witnesses sustained gunshot injuries too. I do not know whether any suspects were arrested from the scene." A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the injured officers had been rushed to the Igando General Hospital for treatment. He said, "We cannot conclude that the two policemen are dead. Other officers, who were seriously wounded, have been rushed to the Igando General Hospital, and are receiving treatment presently. As we speak, there is a massive operation ongoing in the area as armed policemen have taken over everywhere. It was a major attack by the vandals on the task force." Attempts to speak with the Commander of the task force, ACP Friday Ibadin, failed as his line rang out. The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed a shootout in the area.