The Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force says it has neutralised one gunman suspected to be an armed robber during a shootout with the criminal gang at Nekede axis of Owerri, the state capital.
A statement on Thursday by the Command's spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, said that the suspected robbers engaged the men of Nigeria Police from Nekede Divisional Headquarters on gun duel on Tuesday.
Okoye, in the statement, said, “In a follow up to a distress call received on 18/04/2023 at about 0430hrs, from the Command’s Emergency control room that robbery was on going at Sokotext Lodge, along Amaeze Road, by Federal Polytechnic Nekede back-gate, Operatives of Nekede Police Divisional Headquarters swiftly mobilized to the scene.
“The hoodlums opened fire on sighting the operatives, but were overpowered by the superior fire power of the police who engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that led to one member of the armed robbery syndicate being neutralized and others escaping to the adjourning bush with various degrees of gunshot injuries.
“On searching the surroundings, the following items were recovered; one (1) locally made pistol, one (1) machete, one mask, criminal charms, four (4) laptops, three (3) power banks, one IPhone, three (3) pairs of canvass, two (2) bags, clothes and beverages and a pair of palm slippers. The corpse was recovered and deposited at Federal Medical Center Owerri.
“Meanwhile, discreet investigation is ongoing and concerted effort is intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and bring them to face the full wrath of the law.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, while commending the operative for their courageous display of gallantry, assertively stated that the command will not relent in flushing out all criminally minded elements from the state.
“He then charged the command’s Operatives to sustain the tempo in stemming down the tide of arm robbery in the State and beckons on the well-meaning residents of the State in particular Hospitals, Clinics and other first aid outlets to report any person seen with or treating gunshot injury in their vicinity to the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency lines 0803773600 or 08098880197.”