Armed robbers trapped in Abuja bank after siege by security operatives

Some suspected armed robbers have been stuck at a First Bank of Nigeria branch in Mpape area of Abuja after a failed operation.

TheCable learnt they gained entry into the bank on Saturday morning after sporadic gunshots, but have been unable to leave following a police siege.

Various witnesses said some policemen and soldiers who were immediately deployed in the area have surrounded the bank premises.

There is ongoing chaos in the area, a densely populated suburb, as residents and passersby have gathered, watching the scene play out.

Anjuri Manzah, the spokesman of the federal capital territory (FCT) police command, did not immediately respond to inquiries by TheCable.

The police later said they arrested four of the suspected robbers and killed another who tried to escape.

TheCable learnt the suspects were picked up after surrendering to the security operatives at the scene.

Bala Ciroma, FCT police commissioner, also told TheCable one of those arrested is an official of the bank.

Ciroma, who was on the ground at the scene, said the police are still investigating to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We have concluded the operation. Four suspects arrested and one dead. One of them is an insider but we are still investigating,” he told TheCable over the phone.