A robbery attempt at the Zone E Extension of the Apo Resettlement in Abuja has been foiled by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
It was learnt that the incident happened at around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, when a commercial motorcyclist called the police to report that there were intense gunshots nearby.
Uchenna Igwebuike, the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division, sent his Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Josephine Adeh, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer.
She claimed that after the assailants started shooting at the operatives, there was a heated gunfight.
The attackers were forced to retreat into neighbouring hills by the officers’ overwhelming weaponry, Adeh continued, adding that reinforcements commanded by Isyaku Sharu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, joined the effort.
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.”
According to Adeh, three victims with varying degrees of injury were rescued during the operation. One of the victims’ light green Toyota Corolla, registered GWA 620 AU, was also found 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 revealed that in order to apprehend the fleeing criminals, a combined manhunt including police officers and neighbourhood vigilantes is currently in progress.
Ajao Adewale, the Commissioner of Police, sent his sympathies to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to protecting lives and property throughout the Territory.
He urged locals to notify the police of any suspicious injuries or gunshot wounds, especially those in and around Apo Resettlement.
The CP also urged the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with law enforcement agencies in the ongoing fight against crime.
