Gunmen attacked the home of a senior Nigerian policeman Monday killing at least two officers on guard, authorities said, with scores of such attacks blamed on Islamist group Boko Haram.
The senior officer was not believed to have been in the house at the time of the attack on Monday afternoon on the outskirts of the northern city of Kano. The gunmen were not believed to have gained entrance to the home.
"A group of armed men on motorcycles attacked policemen on guard duty at a residence of a senior police officer at Dorayi quarters," a police statement said.
"During the gun duel, two policemen were killed, two injured, while the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds."
Members of the public also pursued the attackers, the statement said.
Residents reported four policemen killed, but authorities had not confirmed the number. The home was believed to belong to the police commissioner for Imo state in Nigeria's southeast.
According to residents, two attackers arrived on motorcycles at the front of the house, while others approached from the rear. They were disguised as labourers and carried a bag of cement, residents said.
Nigeria's north has been hit by scores of shootings and bomb blasts blamed on Islamist group Boko Haram. Police have often been targeted in the attacks.
