- Safiu Kehinde
Imo state Police Command has dismantled an armed robbery syndicate following gun duel that left one suspect dead and another injured.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, Mr Henry Okoye, on Tuesday.
Okoye disclosed that officers of the command had received a distress call during the week hour of Tuesday.
In swift response, the officers intercepted the armed robbers terrorising the residents of Owerri North Local Government Area.
The robbers were, however, overpowered with Okoye attributing the feat to enhanced security measures to tackle violent crimes, especially at night.
“On October 15, 2024, at approximately 3:20 a.m., a patrol team from the Owerri North Divisional Headquarters, responded to a distress call about an armed robbery on Dominion Street near Don Kay, in Owerri North.
“Upon arrival, the police encountered armed robbers who opened fire on them.
“The officers, demonstrating bravery, maneuvered into strategic positions and effectively returned fire,” Okoye narrated.
The spokesman, noted that during the confrontation, one suspect was neutralised while another, one Moses Nanzi, 31, from Plateau, sustained a gunshot injury and was arrested.
He said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members who fled into the bush.
Okoye added that a double-barrel gun and seven rounds of live cartridges were recovered from the arrested suspect.
“The suspect will certainly face prosecution when we complete thorough investigation,” he said.