The Police Command in Nasarawa State has neutralised a suspected armed robber and recovered a firearm during a patrol operation on the Lafia – Obi road.
SP Rahman Nansel, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Lafia on Saturday.
Nansel said that the incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m., on Dec. 26, when operatives attached to the Jenkwe Division, while on intensive patrol, encountered a five-man armed robbery gang that had blocked the highway.
He explained that the suspects engaged the police operatives in a gun duel upon sighting the patrol team.
“During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was neutralised, while the others escaped into the bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
“A locally fabricated pistol and one live ammunition were recovered from the neutralised suspect,” he said.
According to him, the corpse of the neutralised suspect has been deposited at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.
He added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
The spokesperson said that the operation was in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Mohammed, to intensify raids on criminal hideouts to ensure a peaceful yuletide.
Nansel said the commissioner commended the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives and urged them to sustain the momentum in tackling criminal activities across the state.
He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property in Nasarawa State.
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In a related development, the Police Command in Anambra has apprehended a robbery suspect who allegedly attempted to snatch a victim’s phone and valuables at gunpoint, but was overpowered due to timely intervention by bystanders.SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state Public Relations Officer, disclosed in Awka on Saturday that the incident occurred in Awka, highlighting the prompt action by operatives of the Central Police Station.
“Following the victim’s brave resistance and timely police intervention on Dec. 25, Nicholas Nweke, suspected armed robber, was arrested.
“Authorities recovered a pump-action rifle, five cartridges, one mobile phone, and N1,200 cash,” Ikenga confirmed.
He said that at the scene, police met the victim struggling with the suspect over the firearm, adding that with officers’ assistance, the suspect was disarmed and taken into custody without further escalation.
Ikenga said preliminary investigations revealed the suspect approached the victim, demanding his phone and other valuables.
He said when the victim refused, the suspect allegedly fired shots, injuring two unsuspecting passersby nearby.
He said the injured passersby were immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they were reportedly stable and responding positively to treatment after sustaining minor injuries during the incident.
Ikenga confirmed that the case had been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for discreet investigation, ensuring a thorough probe into the robbery attempt. NAN
