By Akpos Oje
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a suspected armed robber who was found operating with a wooden gun carved to look like an AK-47 rifle.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the incident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on June 16 along the Abuja-Kaduna Road. According to him, operatives from the Gawu-Babangida Division, on joint patrol with soldiers, engaged a group of armed robbery suspects in a shootout, during which one was neutralised while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The suspect’s body has been deposited at the Sabon-Wuse General Hospital morgue. Recovered from the scene were the wooden replica gun, a mobile phone with a SIM card, and charms tied around the suspect’s waist.
Abiodun said the phone is currently being analysed to trace and apprehend fleeing gang members.
In another incident in Minna, police rescued a man from being lynched by a mob after he was allegedly caught attempting to steal a Bajaj motorcycle near the General Hospital.
The suspect, a resident of Barkin-Sale, is currently in custody and will be charged after the ongoing investigation is concluded.
