Buhari implicated in killing of IRT operatives

Suspected killers of IRT Operatives in Kaduna

One Buhari General and Alhaji Mamuda have been named as gang leaders by suspects arrested in connection with the killing of four policemen in Kaduna State last month.

Both men are at large.

The slain policemen were drafted from the Lagos Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to join the Inspector-General of Police (IG) Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari.

They were identified as Inspector Bernard Odibo (AP/No 148333), Inspector Mamman Abubakar (AP/No 181539), Inspector Haruna Ibrahim (AP/No 192938) and Sergeant Emmanuel Istifanus (F/No.267815).

Acting Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Kontagora, had on August 23 announced that two of the suspected killers were killed during a gun battle with the police.

Information made available by a top police source on Friday said that four men have now been arrested in connection with the killing of the four IRT personnel.

The suspects were also linked to the kidnapping of a 15-year-old Hadiza Mohammed in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna on August 25.

“The suspects arrested include: 1) Ayuba Dabo ‘M’ 27yrs, 2) Samaila Chiroma AKA Ilu ‘M’, 3) Isah Bello Bahago ‘M’ 23yrs, 4) Haruna Jibrin ‘M’ 23yrs were all arrested in Giwa LGA in Kaduna State after serious Gun Battle,” the source who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

He added that “all suspects confessed to the recent kidnapping of the 15-year-old girl and several armed robberies, kidnappings and cattle rustling in Kaduna State and two confessed to the recent ambush and killing of four IRT personnel.

“Suspects made mentioned of their gang leaders, Buhari General and one Alhaji Mamuda, who also participated in the ambush/killing of our four IRT personnel in Kaduna as the ones in possession of their remaining operational weapons.”

Their confession, the source said, helped IRT operatives to rescue the kidnapped teenager unhurt.

“Serious effort to recover more operational weapons and arrest their fleeing gang members including the remaining ones responsible for the killing of our men is on top gear,” the source concluded.

The arrested Buhari has no link with President Muhammadu Buhari.