The Command spokesman, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday evening.

Isah explained that the terrorists had, early Wednesday, invaded the village subsequent upon which the residents sent a distress call to the police.

According to him, the DPO in the area led a team of policemen and vigilantes to engage the terrorists in a gun duel.

The terrorists were reportedly repelled after one of them was shot and killed in a gun duel.

The police spokesman further revealed that one AK47 rifle and two operational motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were also recovered.

Isah also spoke about other police engagements during the week.

He explained, “On April 26, 2022, at about 9 am, a distress call was received that terrorists in their numbers, on motorbikes, shooting sporadically with AK47 rifles, attacked Kadage village, Kurfi LGA and rustled some domestic animals.

“[The] DPO, Kurfi Division, led a team of policemen to the area, engaged the hoodlums into a fierce gun duel, one of the terrorists was neutralized and all the rustled animals recovered. Many terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds.

“On April 26, 2022, at about 9 am, based on credible intelligence, the Command succeeded in recovering two more AK47 rifles and 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, in connection with the incident of April 21, 2022, that occurred at Tsamiyar Gamzako village, Kafur LGA of the state in which two terrorists were neutralized, one AK47 rifle and two locally fabricated pistols were recovered. The investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing hoodlums.

“On April 25, 2022, at about 1 am, a distress call was received that terrorists, on motorbikes, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked Garin Zaki village, Batsari LGA, kidnapped three women, and rustled some domestic animals. The DPO led a combined team of Police and vigilantes to the area, engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and rescued three kidnapped women and 15 rustled cows belonging to the villagers.

“Today (Thursday) April 28, 2022, at about 9.30 am, based on credible intelligence, the Command intercepted and recovered one motor vehicle, Toyota, Corolla, 2003 model, silver color, with registration number EPE 704 FQ, LAGOS, stolen at gunpoint from Abuja.

“On receipt of the report, DPO Danja Division led a team of policemen and blocked Bakori–Hunkuyi road, Danja LGA. On sighting the police team, the hoodlum abandoned the vehicle and took it to their heels. The Command has already established contact with the owner, as the investigation is ongoing.”

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda, commended and appreciated the efforts of the police and vigilante in repelling the terrorists.

He added that the CP assured members of the public that the police would continue to deal decisively with recalcitrant terrorists until they are all brought to book.

Dauda also reportedly urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by giving out useful information that would assist them.