GOLD STORE ATTACK: Police Kill One, Arrest Two Suspected Robbers In Imo State [PHOTOS]

A suspected member of a dreaded armed robbery gang on Saturday met his Waterloo during a shoot-out with police operatives in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

It was gathered that the gunmen stormed a popular jewellery shop, Goldwise Jewellery Shop, at Ikenegbu Layout near Kilimanjaro Ekwema Crescent Owerri, around 1pm.

Eye witnesses said that the criminal gang of seven, who came in a white Toyota Hilux, encountered the operatives of the police command who had cordoned the area after shooting the driver.

Other members of the gang fled after the police shot the driver.

He further said two suspects were arrested and recovered ammunition during the operation.

The Imo State Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Henry Okoye confirmed the death of the suspect while parading the two suspects out of a seven-member gang.

He said a 27-year-old man, Gaura Peter, from Koji State, and Joshua Promise, a 25-year-old from Delta State, were arrested and are in the command’s custody.

He added, “In the gun duel that ensued, one of the hoodlums was neutralized, two were arrested while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

“During a search of the suspects and the scene, the following items were recovered: two pump action guns, four locally-made pistols, eight rounds of live cartridges, one expanded cartridges, the Hilux van used for the operation, with Registration Number BRR 586 XA, after removing the black cloth used in covering the number plate.”

He listed other items as jewellery valued at millions of naira, two military wears, two special forces T-shirts and bags containing other stolen items were recovered.

He added, “Due to the swift response, none of the shop owners or customers was hurt. Manhunt is intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects and the manufacturers of the locally-made pistols. The duo suspects will be investigated thoroughly and arraigned upon completion of a discreet investigation by the command’s tactical team. The body of the neutralized suspect will be deposited at the morgue.

“While commending the operatives for a job well-done, the Commissioner of Police urged them to sustain the tempo in the ongoing crusade against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.”

One of the suspects, Promise, told journalists that he worked as a bouncer at a popular hotel newly opened in Owerri.