A coordinated bank robbery in the Abaji area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was thwarted by a joint police and military operation, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and the gang leader. Three suspects were apprehended, while others fled with injuries.
The FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force reported the arrest of several armed robbers following an attack on a new generation bank in Abaji. The joint operation was led by Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh on Thursday, June 13.
According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh, the attack occurred at approximately 5:00 PM. The robbers, armed with dynamites, launched simultaneous assaults on the Abaji Divisional Police Headquarters and First Bank PLC in Abaji.
“The security forces engaged the armed robbers in an intense gun duel, forcing them to flee with various degrees of bullet wounds. Three suspects, including the gang leader identified only as Usman, Nuhu Musa (41) from Kogi State, and Muhammed Aminu (25) from Abaji, were apprehended with grave bullet injuries,” the statement read.
Tragically, a police officer and the gang leader were struck during the confrontation and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Another suspect was set ablaze by an irate mob at the scene after being neutralized by security forces.
The statement further detailed the efforts to capture the remaining fleeing suspects.
“A search operation is ongoing to apprehend the suspects who escaped with bullet injuries. The commissioner of police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, lauds the effectiveness of the combined operation and reaffirms the command’s unflinching commitment to ensuring that FCT remains uninhabitable for criminals,” it continued.
The security forces’ swift response and decisive action prevented the robbers from succeeding in their heist, underscoring their dedication to maintaining safety and security in the region.
The FCT Police Command’s ongoing efforts to track down the remaining suspects highlight their resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of Abuja’s residents.
