A joint security team comprising operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes has neutralized three suspected armed robbers in Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the suspects were intercepted during a midnight operation prompted by a distress call.
According to Adeh, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dei-Dei ‘A’ Division received an alert at about 11:50 p.m. on February 12 regarding an ongoing robbery in Filin-Dabo village.
“Acting swiftly, the DPO notified the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and collaborated with personnel from the 102 Battalion, Guards Brigade, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilantes. The operatives mobilized to the scene to counter the criminals,” the statement read.
Upon sighting the security team, the six-member gang attempted to escape into the nearby bushes, where they planned to launch an ambush. However, they were overpowered in a gun battle with the security forces.
The wounded suspects were transported to Kubwa General Hospital, where three were confirmed dead by medical personnel, while the remaining three are currently receiving treatment.
Recovered items from the suspects include an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two locally made pistols, two knives, a taser, a mobile phone, assorted charms, and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, praised the joint security forces for their swift and effective response, emphasizing that criminal activities would not be tolerated in the capital.
He also commended residents of Filin-Dabo for their cooperation and urged the public to remain vigilant, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
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