The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber, neutralised one, and the recovered a locally made pistol following a gunfight during a patrol operation.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar.
He said the incident occurred on December 9 when a joint team of police officers and vigilantes from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Zogirma, were on routine patrol along the Tilli-Durhella forest axis in Bunza local government areas.
The patrol team encountered two suspects, identified as Gaboje Alhaji Bello, a resident of Sabuwar Tunga village, Bunza Local Government Area, and Wantude Alhaji Adure from Ilorin, Kwara State.
Upon being accosted, the suspects reportedly opened fire on the patrol team, prompting an exchange of gunfire. Gaboje Alhaji Bello was shot and killed in the encounter, while his accomplice, Wantude Alhaji Adure, was arrested at the scene.
A locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from the suspect.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police for Kebbi State, Bello Sani, applauded their bravery and urged them to continue their efforts in the fight against crime.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the state.
The Commissioner also directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the suspect.
The Kebbi State Police Command assured the public of its unwavering resolve to maintain peace and combat criminal activities across the state.