Police bust armed robbery syndicate, neutralize one in Imo

Police bust armed robbery syndicate, neutralize one in Imo

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorising residents of Owerri North Local Government Area in Imo State.

The breakthrough was confirmed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, on Tuesday evening.

He credited the success to the enhanced security measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, aimed at tackling violent crimes, particularly those occurring at night.

According to the statement, on October 15, 2024, at about 3:20 am, a patrol team from the Owerri North Divisional Headquarters responded swiftly to a distress call reporting an armed robbery on Dominion Street near Don Kay in Owerri North LGA. Upon arrival, the officers were met with gunfire from the armed robbers.

“The officers, displaying remarkable bravery, quickly assumed strategic positions and returned fire,” the statement read.

During the exchange, one suspect was neutralised, while another, identified as 31-year-old Moses Nanzi from Faringada in Plateau State, sustained gunshot injuries and was apprehended.

Other members of the gang fled into nearby bushes.

The police recovered a double-barrelled gun and seven rounds of live cartridges from the arrested suspect.

Okoye added that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing gang members and that Nanzi will face prosecution upon the conclusion of a thorough investigation.