A joint security operation involving the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and military personnel foiled a bank robbery attempt in Abaji Area Council of the FCT on Thursday.
The incident, which occurred simultaneously at a First Bank Plc branch and the nearby police division headquarters, resulted in casualties on both sides.
According to a statement issued by FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh on Friday, a group of heavily armed robbers, estimated to be around 15 in number, launched a coordinated attack using explosives. They targeted banks in an attempt to steal cash, and also attacked police stations which would likely neutralize any action.
Adeh identified those arrested as Usman (surname unknown), Nuhu Musa, and Muhammad Aminu.
The statement read, “In quick response to the armed robbery incident at First Bank Plc in Abaji on 13 June 2024, at approximately 5pm, the FCT police, led by the commissioner of police, CP Benneth Igweh, himself, in a joint operation alongside the military, were mobilized to staged and repelled a simultaneous attack on the headquarters of the Abaji Divisional Police and First Bank Plc in Abaji by a group of 15 armed men who attacked with dynamite in an attempt to rob the bank.
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“The security forces were involved in a fierce firefight with the armed robbers, forcing them to run to safety with various gunshot wounds, because the security forces managed to arrest three suspects, namely Usman (surname not yet known) who was reported to be the gang leader, Nuhu Musa, 41 ‘m’ from Kogi State; and Muhammed Aminu, 25 ‘m’ from Abaji, with serious gunshot wounds, while a yet-to-be-identified suspect was set on fire by an angry mob at the scene after being neutralized by security forces.”
Official reports confirmed the deaths of three armed robbers during a shootout. Additionally, several robbers reportedly fled the scene with injuries, while three others were arrested.
Adeh said, “A police officer and a gang leader were hit by bullets during a gun duel, rushed to hospital, and the doctor on duty confirmed them dead, while the others are still receiving treatment.
“While search operations are underway to apprehend the suspect who fled due to gunshot wounds, the FCT police commissioner commended the effectiveness of the joint operation and reiterated the command’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that the FCT remains habitable for criminals, with due regard for the safety of residents there. The FCT is non-negotiable.”
The incident also resulted in the disappearance of a police officer. Details regarding the officer’s identity have not been released. Fortunately, no civilian casualties were reported.
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