Fleeing Bandits, Not Terrorists Killed Nigerian Policeman – Edo State Government Denies ISWAP Attacks

The Edo State Government has said that an ambush on policemen, resulting in the death of an operative and loss of a vehicle in the state was carried out by fleeing bandits on revenge mission and not militants of the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

ISWAP had in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters claimed it attacked a police checkpoint along Ibillo-Igarra Road on Thursday.

The terror group also published a burnt patrol vehicle belonging to the state security outfits involving the police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Vigilante Network and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Reacting, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in the state dismissed the claim, adding that the policemen were ambushed by ravaging bandits.

BREAKING: ISWAP Claims Responsibility For Attack On Nigerian Police Checkpoint In Edo, Killing Of Personnel

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He added that that there was no evidence of ISWAP or its operatives in Edo State.

The statement read, “The Edo State Government refutes claims that it was ISWAP, that carried out the attack by fleeing bandits at Ibillo-Igarra Road Junction, where they burnt a Wabaizigan patrol vehicle on September 22, 2022 after a thorough investigation by the state security outfits involving the Police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Vigilante Network and Nigeria Civil Defence Corp.

“There is no evidence of ISWAP or its operatives in Edo State. Government assures that it will continue to provide support to the security agencies in the state to tackle crime and criminality and also enhance patrols of the state’s borders to make the state most uncomfortable for the decimated bandits.

“The Edo State government restates its commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state and to the sustenance of a safe environment for citizens to go about their lawful businesses.”