A joint operation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, military personnel, and local vigilantes resulted in the neutralization of three notorious armed robbers in Filin-Dabo Village area of the territory.
It was learnt that the midnight operation, which took place on Wednesday, also led to the recovery of weapons and other incriminating items.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Thursday, noted that the operation was initiated following a distress call received at 11:50pm by the divisional police officer of Dei-Dei ‘A’ division, reporting an ongoing robbery in the area.
The statement said the command’s anti-kidnapping unit, in collaboration with operatives from the 102 Battalion, Guards Brigade, the civilian joint task force, and local vigilantes, quickly mobilized to the scene.
She stated that upon arrival, the security operatives encountered the six-member gang, attempting to flee into the surrounding bushes while launching an ambush on the responding team.
However, the joint forces retaliated with superior firepower, leading to a fierce gun battle.
The police spokesperson added that despite their efforts to escape, the robbers were over-powered.
Read also: FCT police crackdown on vandals, recover 10 more stolen manhole covers
“The wounded suspects were rushed to the Kubwa General Hospital, where three were confirmed dead by medical personnel. The remaining three, who sustained injuries, are currently receiving medical treatment.
“Recovered items from the operation include, one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 19 live rounds of 7.62 ammunition, two locally made pistols, two knives, one taser, one mobile phone, assorted charms and dried leaves, suspected to be Indian hemp,” the statement said.
Commending the joint security forces for their swift action, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for criminal activities in the FCT.
He also praised the Filin-Dabo community for their timely intelligence, which contributed to the operation’s success.
The police chief further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
