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17 terrorists, one policeman killed in aftermath of attack near police station in Nigeria’s Kano Stat

27 June 2012 17:20 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. A total of 17 terrorists and a policeman were killed late Tuesday when an explosion followed by gunfire were heard near the Goron Dutse Police Station in Dala area of northern Nigeria’s Kano State, according to police authorities, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

State commissioner of police Ibrahim Idris confirmed the number of casualties, saying three of the suspected gunmen were arrested as the police also diffused 14 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted in different locations in the metropolis by the attackers.

"The extremists numbering about 30 attacked police on duty with assault rifles and IEDs, but the policemen fought gallantly and repelled the attacks," he said.

The security chief lamented the death of the cop killed in the gun duel, disclosing that another police officer sustained bullet injuries.

According to the police commissioner, the gunmen planted explosive devices and launched deadly attacks on four other police stations and a junior secondary school in the state, indicating that the attacks were coordinated.

He said the police recovered five assault rifles, 220 live ammunition, five vehicles, three motorcycles and the sum of 100, 000 naira (about 616 U.S. dollars) and large quantity of drugs and syringes.

"The extremists also attempted to attack Goron Dutse Prison yard, but the policemen on duty repelled the attacks successfully and no damage was done to the yard," he added.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, although pockets of violence have been recorded in the northern parts of Nigeria in past weeks.