One killed as suspected armed robbers clash with police in Imo

A suspected armed robber has been killed during a gun duel with officers of the Imo state police command.

The gunmen were said to have opened fire on the police officers during an armed robbery operation along Amaeze road in the state on Tuesday.

Henry Okoye, Imo police spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday, said police officers were mobilised to the scene after a report of armed robbery in the area.

“In a follow up to a distress call received on 18/04/2023 at about 0430hrs from the command’s emergency control room that robbery was ongoing at Sokotext Lodge, along Amaeze road, by Federal Polytechnic Nekede back-gate,” the statement reads.

“Operatives of Nekede police divisional headquarters swiftly mobilised to the scene.

“The hoodlums opened fire on sighting the operatives but were overpowered by the superior firearms of the police who engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that led to one of the armed robbery syndicate being neutralised and others escaping to the adjourning bush with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

“On searching the surroundings, the following items were recovered; one (1) locally made pistol, one (1) machete, one mask, criminal charms, four (4) laptops, three (3) power banks, one IPhone, three (3) pairs of canvass, two (2) bags, clothes and a pair of palm slippers.

“The corpse was recovered and deposited at Federal Medical Center Owerri.”

The police spokesperson added that a “discreet investigation is ongoing” and efforts are being made to arrest the suspects.