The Edo State Police Command says its officers have neutralized two suspected armed robbers and recovered weapons in Benin, the state capital.
It was gathered that the suspects were part of a gang of armed robbers that attacked Rubec Oil and Gas Station, located off Murtala Mohammed Way in Benin, in the early hours of Sunday.
A statement released by the command’s Deputy Spokesperson, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, said the suspects were gunned down during a shootout between the police and the robbers.
According to her, “On the receipt of the information, the Commander, Police Crack Team, immediately mobilised a team of police operatives and vigilantes to the scene.
“The armed robbers were later successfully trailed to a different location where they were carrying out another armed robbery operation.
“On sighting the team of security operatives, the armed robbers opened fire on them which led to a gun duel.
“In the process, the superior firepower of the security operatives hit two of the armed robbers while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injury.
“The two suspected armed robbers were taken to the Police Cottage Hospital in Benin city where they were confirmed dead by the doctor and their bodies deposited at the mortuary.”
Iwegbu said one locally-made pistol and three live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Abutu Yaro, has directed that more efforts be made to arrest and prosecute the fleeing members of the robbery gang.
She said the commissioner has reiterated his unwavering commitment to reducing criminal activities in the state.
