Anambra state police have shot and killed a robbery suspect in Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala local government area.
In a statement released on Monday, January 15, police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga verified this and stated that the suspect was neutalized while attempting to rob a middle-aged man at Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala, of his vehicle.
He claimed that during the altercation, the thugs turned over two motorcycles and an Automatic Pump Action rifle.
He said:
“Police Special Crack Squad deployed to Ihiala by Anambra State Commissioner of Police weeks before Christmas has foiled an armed robbery operation and neutralised one of the hoodlums.
“The Crack Squad which works with the local vigilante had restored calm in the ancient city making it possible for Ihiala sons and daughters who trooped in from the Diaspora and elsewhere to enjoy the festive season.
“The encounter with the gunmen occurred in the night of 12 January, 2024 as they attempted to rob a middle-aged man of his vehicle at Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala.
“On sighting the Squad the gunmen who operated on two motorcycles opened fire on the Police. Operatives professionally engaged them to avoid hitting the would-be victim of the armed robbery who then zoomed off from the scene.
“One Automatic Pump Action Gun and two motorcycles were recovered from the hoodlums.
“The Commissioner of Police who expressed satisfaction with the tremendous work the Police Squad has done charged them not to relent in flushing out all criminal elements out of Ihiala and neighbouring communities like Isseke, Lilu, Orsumoghu and Azia.
“He promised continuous logistics support to the Squad to ensure it fulfils its mandate.”