Anambra policemen shot robbery suspect dead at checkpoint

A yet-to-be-identified member of a four-man robbery gang has been shot dead by the operatives of the Anambra State Police Command.

The suspect was killed for pulling out a pistol in an attempt to shoot police officers who were at a checkpoint.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Sunday at the Igboukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area of the Anambra State, during which the remaining three members of the gang were also arrested while a Barreta pistol and dagger were recovered from them.

The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects boarded a commercial bus from Nnewi and were heading to an unknown destination before they met the police at the checkpoint.

He said, “Police officers attached to Anambra State Police Command have smashed an armed gang at Igboukwu in Aguata LGA.

“The gang, which boarded a commercial bus from Nnewi today, Sunday, January 14, 2024, arrived police checkpoint and were stopped for a search. One of the hoodlums alighted, pulled a baretta pistol and was gunned down.

“A search of the bag they were travelling with yielded a concealed dagger.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aderemi Adeoye, who praised the police personnel for their vigilance, had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case for a thorough investigation.

He pointed out that the CP has also ordered the immediate release of two elderly passengers who boarded the bus at a different location.

“The command wishes to assure the good people of Anambra State that it will always live up to its responsibility in safeguarding lives and property of all law-abiding citizens in the state,” he added.