IGBOUKWU, Anambra State – A member of a four-man robbery gang was fatally shot by the Anambra State Police Command after he attempted to shoot police officers at a checkpoint. The incident occurred in the Igboukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. The remaining three members of the gang were also apprehended, and a Barreta pistol and dagger were recovered from them.
According to the state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects had boarded a commercial bus from Nnewi and were en route to an unknown destination before encountering the police at the checkpoint. The officers at the checkpoint intervened when the suspect pulled out a pistol and subsequently shot him in response to the threat. A concealed dagger was also found in the bag that the gang was traveling with.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aderemi Adeoye, commended the police personnel for their vigilance and ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case for a thorough investigation. Additionally, he directed the immediate release of two elderly passengers who had boarded the bus at a different location. The police spokesman emphasized the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens in the state.
The swift action taken by the police serves as a reminder of their dedication to maintaining public safety and preventing criminal activities. The incident underscores the risks that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and the importance of their training and preparedness to handle such life-threatening situations. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of the Anambra State Police Command to combat crime and protect the community.