- Several items, including a locally-made revolver with three live ammunition, a locally-made shotgun with three cartridges, a machete, and various charms were recovered, the police said
At least three armed robbers were killed when the police in Rivers averted a robbery operation in the southern state.
The armed criminals were neutralised along the Prisigbara-Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Khana Local Government Area of the state.
The police said they got wind of an ongoing robbery operation at the aforementioned location and dispatched their officers to the scene.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police disclosed that the robbers opened fire on the officers at the scene but the criminals were subdued by the superior firepower of the police personnel.
The statement read: “Rivers State Police Command thwarted a robbery operation in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State on March 21, 2024, when it responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a robbery operation on Prisigbara/Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Khana Local Government Area.
“In a coordinated effort, officers from the Police Division, Bori, and the Anti-Cultism Unit, Bori, were dispatched to the scene.
“Upon the arrival of the police personnel, the robbers engaged them in gunfire. However, due to the superior firepower of the police, the assailants were subdued, and the robbery operation was successfully thwarted.
“Tragically, during the exchange, three of the suspects sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the Police Clinic in Bori. Regrettably, their injuries proved fatal, and they were pronounced dead on arrival.”
The statement added: “We assure the community that the area has returned to normalcy, and we have implemented increased police patrols in and around the vicinity to ensure the safety of residents.
“The Rivers State Police Command acknowledges the concerns raised by the community regarding the harassment and robbery of students, particularly in the densely populated area. This successful operation is expected to bring much-needed relief to the community. We urge residents to continue cooperating with the police, as your support is instrumental in our ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.”
Among the deceased was Monday Sulole, alias Oyoyo, a notorious armed robber and cultist from Yeghe community in Gokana Local Government Area, known for instigating numerous cult clashes and armed robberies in the Ogoni region.
The PRO stated that police operatives recovered several items, including a locally-made revolver with three live ammunition, a locally-made shotgun with three cartridges, a machete, and various charms