The Gombe State Police Command has been engaging criminals, especially armed robbery gangs at the peak of their deadly operations killing one on the spot in a recent outing in Bojude, Kwami LGA of the State.
Parading the corpse of the overpowered suspected armed robber and 17 others arrested for various crimes before newsmen, the assistant Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, ASP Sheriff Sa’ad, said the suspected armed robber was gunned down during an exchange of fire with the Police on the spot of the robbery incident where four of the gang members escaped and an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the fleeing suspects.
The recent development seem to be giving the Police an edge over the criminals as the command barely a week ago, engaged a different armed robbery gang in Malam Inna part of the State capital where another armed robber was gunned down during an exchange of fire.
It has become worrisome, criminals engaging Police in a gun duel in recent times which goes to show how courageous the they have been using sofisticated weapons like AK-47 rifles to confront the Police in a daring way.
However, addressing journalists during the parade of suspected criminals on Thursday, 06/07/2023 at the Command’s headquarters, the Assistant PPRO said, just like the last encounter in Gombe metropolis, the Bojude encounter resulted in neutralizing a robbery suspect in the wee hours of same Thursday.
He explained that the Police got wind of information about the robbery incident where some suspected armed robbers had blocked Gombe to Darazo road and robbed drivers and passengers of their properties.
He said, on receipt of the information, Police operatives attached to Bojude Division who were on routine patrol rushed to the scene on a rescue mission and on getting to the scene, the armed robbers engaged the operatives in a gun duel but were subdued by the fire-power of the Police who succeeded in neutralizing one of the robbers and recovered an AK 47 rifle and a phone as exhibits.
Other 17 arrested suspects paraded were those involved in separate crimes such as, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, inciting disturbance and causing grievious hurt, house trespass, armed robbery, shop breaking theft, aiding and abetment, Kalare activities and possession of dangerous weapons from different parts of the State. Sherrif said, all the suspects will be charged to court as soon as Police investigation on the crimes are concluded
Sherrif also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Oqua Etim, commended the operatives involved in the operation/investigation for their swift action and dedication to duty while urging them to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that criminals are brought to justice and that the State remains safe and secure for all residents.