The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two armed robbery suspects and the arrest of two others during an early morning operation in the Barnawa area of the state.

Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement on Wednesday, said the incident followed a distress call received at about 3:10 a.m. from residents of Gashash Estate, Barnawa, who reported an armed robbery in progress.

Hassan said the suspects, numbering eight and armed with a locally made pistol and other weapons, had broken into a residential compound and stolen various items including phones, laptops, wristwatches, gaming consoles, and jewelry.

“Upon receipt of the call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Barnawa Division mobilised patrol teams in collaboration with officers from Kakuri and Sabon Tasha divisions, as well as soldiers from the 312 Artillery Regiment, Kalapanzi,” Hassan stated.

The suspects were later tracked to Makera Main Road in Kakuri, where they reportedly engaged the security team in a gunfight.

According to Hassan, two suspects were shot and killed during the confrontation, while two others were arrested. The remaining four fled the scene.

Recovered from the suspects were a locally made pistol, ammunition, several sharp objects, and the stolen items, including seven mobile phones, three wristwatches, two laptops, two PlayStation consoles, and assorted jewelry.

Hassan confirmed that one police officer sustained injuries during the operation and is receiving treatment at a police medical facility.

He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the joint operation involving police and military personnel, and also acknowledged the support of the Department of State Services and other agencies in ongoing crime prevention efforts.

The command reiterated its commitment to public safety and urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activity.