A joint operation by the Nigerian Police and Military thwarted a 15-man bank robbery attempt at First Bank PLC in Abaji, Abuja on Thursday, resulting in three fatalities.
The police received a distress call around 5:00 pm and swiftly responded, led by Commissioner of Police CP Benneth Igweh.
According to a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on Friday, the security forces engaged the armed robbers in an intense gun battle, forcing them to flee with varying degrees of bullet wounds.
Three suspects, including the alleged gang leader, Usman, were apprehended and are receiving treatment for their injuries. An unidentified suspect was set ablaze by an angry mob after being neutralized by security forces.
Unfortunately, one police operative and the gang leader succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the hospital.
The police are currently conducting a search operation to apprehend fleeing suspects and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of FCT residents, which is non-negotiable.