In a press release signed by the police force Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CP Frank Mba, “the intelligence-driven covert operation, which led to the interception and recovery of the deadly ammunition, is part of efforts by the Force to identify and crack down on criminal networks and supply chains for weapons and ammunition in and around the country.”
CP Mba said comprehensive investigations have been launched to apprehend anyone linked to the crime.
Mba further revealed that the Police while carrying out investigations into a foiled robbery on the Onueke branch of a commercial bank in Ebonyi State, on Tuesday, April 27, discovered the criminals hideout, engaged them in a gun duel, killing three members of the gang and recovered ammunition.
“Similarly, following investigations into the foiled bank robbery on the Onueke branch of a commercial bank in Ebonyi State which occurred on Tuesday, 27th April, 2021; Police operatives led by the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, on 29th April, 2021, stormed the criminal hideout of suspects indicted in the investigations located at Oriuzo village in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“ The suspects on sighting the Police squad, opened fire on them. The Police team engaged them gallantly and professionally. At the end, three (3) members of the gang including two (2) male and one (1) female met their waterloo following bullet injuries sustained during the exchange of gunfire. Other suspects fled in different directions.
“Two (2) Ak47 riffles, five (5) pump action guns, six (6) pistols, fifty (50) Ak47 ammunition, one hundred and twenty-six (126) cartridges, Jack knives, cutlasses, and a 40-page notebook containing inventories of ammunition purchased by the gang were recovered.
“A Honda Pilot Jeep with Reg No. ABJ 163 NV used for the foiled bank robbery was also recovered by the Police Team.”
Mba further revealed that the Operatives traced some of the fleeing suspects to a shrine and arrested 3 persons.
“Unrelenting in their quest to apprehend the remaining suspects, the Police team traced the suspects to a shrine where the robbers usually go for mystical powers before embarking on their robbery operations.
“Two (2) of the suspects were eventually arrested from the supposedly safe haven – the shrine, which led to the arrest of additional three (3) members of the gang” Mba said.
According to Mba, “efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and their spiritual godfather – the chief priest of the shrine.”
