By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
In line with the unwavering commitment to continue to provide a secured security atmosphere for the law abiding residents, police operatives in Imo state have busts an armed robbery syndicate, apprehending three suspects.
Assorted arms and cartridges which include two pump action guns, four locally made pistol, eight rounds of live cartridges and one expanded cartridges were reportedly recovered from the suspects.
A white Hilux operational vehicle with reg.no BRR 586 XA, which plate number was covered with a black cloth, jewries valued at millions of naira, two military under polo, two special forces t-shirts, face Mask and bags containing other stolen items were also recovered from them.
The Spokesperson Imo State Police Command ASP Henry Okoye made the disclosure at a parade on Saturday 29th July 2023 on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed Barde,
Okoye, in a release made available to journalists titled, ” ARREST OF THREE NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBERY SYNDICATE, RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION”,
said ” Today, 29TH July, 2023 Imo Police Command has once again nabbed three (3) notorious armed robbery syndicate and recovered arms, ammunition and other stolen items from the hoodlums.
” In a swift follow-up to a distress call received from a civic-minded resident of the State that on the 29TH of July, 2023 at about 1300hrs, hoodlums numbering about seven, armed with sophisticated weapons came with a white Hilux covered plate number and were robbing a Jewelry shop situated at Ikeneagbu in Imo State.
“:On the receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, psc(+), promptly mobilized the Command’s Tactical team and personally led the operatives to the scene.
” On sighting police operatives, the hoodlums opened fire but were overwhelmed by the dexterity showcased by the gallant operatives who professionally maneuvered into vintage position and return fire which forced the hoodlums to succumb to their superior fire power.
” In the gun duel that ensued, one of the hoodlum was neutralized, two were arrested while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries.
” On search the suspects and the scene the following items were recovered
1. Two(2) pump action guns,
2. Four (4) locally made pistol
3. Eight (8) rounds of live cartridges, one (1) expanded cartridges
4. The white helix used for the operation with reg.no BRR 586 XA i.e. after removing the black cloth used in covering the plate number
5. Jewries valued millions of naira
6. Two military under polo
7. Two special forces t-shirts
8. Face Mask
9. Bags containing other stolen items were recovered.
” Due to the swift response, non of the shop owners or customers were hurt. Manhunt is intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects and the manufacturers of the locally made pistols. The duo suspect will be investigated thoroughly and arraigned in court upon completion of a discreet investigation by the Command’s Tactical Team. While the body of neutralizes suspect will be deposited at the morgue.
” While commending the operatives for a job well-done, the Commissioner of Police urged them to sustain the tempo in the ongoing crusade against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.
” The CP thanked the good people of Imo State for their unalloyed support and cooperation with the Police and beckon on Imolites, in particular owners of hospitals and other first aid outlets to swiftly report any person seen with or treating gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency line via 08034773600 or 08098880197″.
