Mohamed Garba
Police in the Federal Capital Territory foiled a late-night robbery attempt in the Zone E Extension of Apo Resettlement on Monday, rescuing three victims after a tense shootout with gunmen.
According to the FCT Police Command, the attack occurred around 10:30 p.m. after a distress call was made by a commercial motorcyclist reporting heavy gunfire in the area. Responding swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division, Uchenna Igwebuike, deployed the Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene.
The robbers reportedly opened fire on the responding officers, prompting a fierce exchange. The situation escalated until a reinforcement team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Isyaku Sharu, arrived at the scene. The superior firepower of the police forced the assailants to flee into the surrounding hills.
“During the operation, three persons were rescued with varying degrees of injuries inflicted by the attackers,” Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said in a statement on Tuesday. “A light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.”
All injured victims were rushed to Sahad Hospital in Apo Resettlement for emergency medical care. Unfortunately, one of them succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
A joint operation involving police and local vigilante groups is now underway to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the FCT.
He urged residents, especially in the Apo area, to report anyone with unexplained gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the police. He also called on the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts in tackling crime.