Police officer shot dead in Delta during gun duel with suspected robbers

A police officer was shot dead on Tuesday during a robbery attempt at a residential neighbourhood in Asaba, Delta capital. 

The robbery was, however, repelled by troops of operation still water II of the 63 brigade of the Nigerian army.

Ibrahim Gambari, chief of staff headquarters, said 145 suspects were arrested after the early morning robbery attempt.

He said the troops arrested eight of the suspects at the crime scene; two were shot and wounded; while two others fled with bullet wounds.

“At about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, men of operation still water II responded to a distress call about the robbery,” he said.

“We got there and met an exchange of gunfire. The robbers had gunned down a police officer and our men engaged them in another gun duel.

“In the process, two of the suspects were shot and captured along with eight others, while two others managed to escape with bullet wounds.

“After the incident, troops swooped on criminal hotspots in the area and arrested another 135 suspects.

“We also recovered a locally-made pistol with live cartridge at the scene of crime and many items stolen from residents of the neighbourhood.

“After the random arrests, residents identified eight of the suspects as criminal elements terrorising the area.”

He said the army has handed over all the suspects to the police for profiling and prosecution.