After an operation along Atta Road, Nkpor Community, in Idemili LGA, the security operatives' efforts paid off when they captured the thieves dividing their booty.
It was learned that the culprits went to split their cash at an unfinished structure nearby after their robbery operation on Atta Road before the security personnel descended on them.
According to a local witness, the moment the robbers noticed the security guards, they opened fire on them, starting a gun battle between the two sides.
A robber was shot on his leg during the incident, while the others escaped with bullet wounds.
Confirming the incident, the Ogidi Divisional Police Officer, Ahmed Sani, said two guns, a barretta pistol, and one cut-to-size local gun were recovered from the scene.
He said, “The one that was shot on his legs was arrested while the others fled with bullet wounds, and investigation is ongoing towards arresting the runaway suspects.
“A 24-hour surveillance has been ordered in the area and security has been beefed up. We are on the trail of those fleeing suspects.”
Expressing satisfaction with the arrest of one of the robbers, residents in the area said the suspect was among those terrorising the community daily and urged the police to continue their surveillance in the area during the forthcoming Yuletide.
A resident, identified as Okey Uzor, said the robbers had continued to give them sleepless nights because the police limited their services within the barracks.
“Our problem is that the police are no longer on patrol because of the activities of unknown gunmen. Robbers now capitalize on it to rob and maim the innocent public at will, without fear of attack,” he added.
