Two suspected armed robbers identified as Ntosi Godfrey and Nnamdi Raymond have been arrested by Operatives of Imo State Police Command on Friday.
The suspects were arrested along Owerri-Aba road as operatives of the command were on an intelligence-led stop and search along the express.
The Commandโs Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said: โIn the early hours of 26/07/2024, Operatives of the Command Tactical Unit while on intelligence-led stop-and-search along Owerri-Aba road arrested two suspected armed robbers namely Ntosi Godfrey โmโ 37yrs and Nnamdi Raymond โmโ, while en route to Owerri with a Green Toyota Golf, Reg No AA775BD Lagos, they allegedly snatched from a victim in Umuahia.
โThe suspects opened fire on sighting police operatives but were given stiff resistance by the ever-gallant operatives who maneuvered to vintage and returned fire. In the ensuing gun duel, one of the suspects sustained bullet injuries and was later taken to a nearby medical hospital for treatment while the other suspect was arrested.
โRecovered from the suspects include one pump action gun, one locally fabricated gun, 10 rounds of live cartridges, and the Toyota Golf. On interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a deadly armed robbery syndicate in Umuahia and mentioned one suspect at large.โ
He added, โIn the course of the operation, one suspected cultist, Chibueze Kalu, โmโ 25yrs was arrested. Recovered from him include one locally made pistol. The suspects confessed to being members of the black axe confraternity.
โA comprehensive Investigation is ongoing. Efforts are in progress to unravel the manufacturers and distributors of the locally-made guns and make them face the full wrath of the law. The suspects will certainly have their day in court.โ