Police kill one, arrest two other alleged robbery gang members in Imo

In a shootout that left one other suspect dead, the Imo State Police Command has detained two alleged members of a robbery syndicate.

According to a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Barde, revealed this on Saturday in Owerri, the state capital, during a parade of suspects and exhibits.

Two pump action weapons, four pistols built locally, eight live bullets, and one extended cartridge were among the goods retrieved from the suspects.

The police responded to a distress call on Saturday at 1 pm, claims the command.

It said seven hoodlums armed with sophisticated weapons and a white Hilux which had a “covered plate number” were robbing a jewellery shop at Ikenegbu in Imo State.

According to reports, the police commissioner dispatched the tactical team of the command and led the operatives to the crime 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,” the statement said.

“In the gun duel that ensued, one of the hoodlum was neutralized, two were arrested while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries.”