Nigerian police probes deaths of 8 persons in northern state

Nigeria\'s police in northwest Kan State said on Thursday that it was investigating the killings of eight persons by unknown gunmen on Feb. 23. State commissioner of police Musa Daura told reporters in Kano, the state capital that the command had made useful arrests in connection with the killings. He assured that the public would be informed adequately of developments, noting that the command swung into action immediately it received information on the incidents. The commissioner also disclosed that seven policemen were being investigated over acts of indiscipline as part of efforts to rid the force of bad elements. He said their offences ranged from illegal arrests, detention and extortion. Daura said the command would mete out appropriate measures against the erring officers to serve as a deterrent. The police chief told reporters that the disciplinary actions would include dismissal from the force, prosecution or imprisonment.