The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has thwarted a robbery attempt in the Zone E Extension of Apo Resettlement of Abuja.
KUKURUKU Online gathered that the incident occurred around 10:30 pm on Monday when a distress call was received from a commercial motorcyclist alerting the police to intense gunfire in the area.
A statement on Tuesday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh said the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division, Uchenna Igwebuike, deployed his Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the location.
She said the attackers opened fire on the operatives, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Adeh added that reinforcement led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Isyaku Sharu joined the effort, and the officers’ superior firepower forced the assailants to flee into nearby hills.
She said, “Following a distress call received from a commercial motorcycle rider in Apo Resettlement, reporting heavy gunfire in the area, the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division immediately mobilised his Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene.
“The attackers engaged the police team in a fierce gun battle.
“In a swift tactical response, a reinforcement team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations arrived at the scene.
“The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into the surrounding hills.”
Adeh said during the operation, three victims suffering various degrees of injuries were rescued, adding that a light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.
She added that the victims were rushed to Sahad Hospital, Apo Resettlement, for emergency treatment, noting that one of them later died from his injuries and was deposited in the hospital morgue.
The PPRO said,”During the operation, three persons were rescued with varying degrees of injuries inflicted by the attackers.
” A light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.
“All injured persons were immediately evacuated to Sahad Hospital, Apo Resettlement, for emergency medical care.
“Sadly, one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel.”
Adeh disclosed that a joint manhunt involving police operatives and local vigilantes is now underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Territory.
He called on residents, particularly those in and around Apo Resettlement, to report anyone with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the police.
The CP also urged the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with law enforcement agencies in the ongoing fight against crime.
