The Delta State Police Command has neutralised six suspected armed robbers and recovered a number of arms.
The Command, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP. Bright Edafe explained that on 1st July 2022, operatives attached to ‘B’ Division Warri surveillance team while on Aberdeen patrol along lower Erejuwa Street in Warri, received a distress call that a suspected armed robbery gang was terrorising Igbudu Market/Old Welfare.
He said the team acting on this distress call, moved to the scene where the hoodlums on sighting the police took to their heels, and the team went after them.
“Somewhere around the old Welfare Road, the hoodlums went into a gun duel with the operatives, but could not withstand the superior firepower of the police.
“During the gun duel, five of the hoodlums sustained serious gunshot injuries while two (2) locally made cut-to-size single barrel guns, three (3) rounds of expended cartridges, three (3) rounds of live cartridges and one dagger were recovered from them. The injured suspects gave up the ghost while they were being taken to the hospital. Investigation is ongoing.”
The Command also said following a series of complaints from members of the public about the activities of some hoodlums who attack innocent residents in Asaba, especially around Ezenie axis, DLA, Summit Road, and other areas within the Asaba metropolis, rob them of their phones, money, and other belongings, the Commissioner of Police detailed some tactical teams on a round the clock patrol within Asaba and its environs, with a view to arresting those perpetrating the act.
“On 30th June /2022 at about 0230hrs, operatives of the Command Rapid Response Squad (RRS) while on visibility patrol along Ezenei Street Asaba sighted four suspicious-looking young men in a parked minibus without a registration number.
“When the team advanced towards them to find out their identity, they zoomed off towards Asaba-Benin Expressway. The operatives gave them a tireless chase till they got to Issele-Asagba in Aniocha South Local Government Area. The team, while trying to double-cross the vehicle was faced with stiff resistance from hoodlums, who ran into the Police van, abandoned the vehicle and fled into the adjoining bush while firing at the policemen.
“This confirmed the suspicion of the operatives. They followed them into the bush while exchanging gunshots.
“Consequently, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injury while others escaped with bullet wounds. One (1) cut-to-size English double barrel, one (1) locally made pistol, six (6) expended cartridges, two (2) live cartridges and a big iron cutter were recovered.
“The injured suspect was taken to Agbor General Hospital where he died while receiving treatment. Efforts are on top gear to arrest the other fleeing members of the gang while Investigation is ongoing”, the Command’s spokesman said.