ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Niger State Police Command has killed a suspected armed robber and recovered a wooden imitation of an AK-47 rifle during an early morning operation along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Minna, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that the incident occurred on Sunday, June 16, around 5:30 a.m.
According to the statement, operatives from the Gawu-Babangida Division, in collaboration with soldiers on routine patrol, intercepted a gang of suspected armed robbers along the highway. A gun duel ensued, during which one of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled with gunshot injuries.
Recovered from the scene were a wooden-crafted object designed to resemble an AK-47 rifle, a mobile phone containing a SIM card, and charms tied around the deceased suspect’s waist. The recovered phone is currently being analysed to aid in tracking down the fleeing gang members.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Sabon-Wuse General Hospital mortuary.
In a separate development, police in Minna intervened to rescue a man from a mob after he was accused of attempting to steal a Bajaj motorcycle near the General Hospital.
SP Abiodun said the incident occurred later the same day at about 4:00 p.m. following a distress call received at the ‘A’ Division. The Divisional Police Officer and his team promptly responded and rescued the suspect from the lynch mob.
The unnamed suspect, a resident of Barkin-Sale, was allegedly caught with the motorcycle he attempted to steal. He is currently in police custody.
“Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be arraigned in court upon its conclusion,” the police spokesperson added.
The command urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious movements to authorities while warning against mob justice and taking laws into one’s hands.