Soldier among robbers killed in Lagos

Juliana Francis

A serving soldier was allegedly among two robbers slain on Wednesday by policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos. 

The SARS detectives were said to have killed two among the gang of robbers and taken one alive.  The gang was operating at the Ilasamaja area of Lagos State  when the SARS operatives surprised them.

It was gathered that the identity of the soldier was discovered after the robbers engaged the policemen in a shoot-out, leading to the death of the two suspected robbers.

An identity card was found on one of the robbers, identifying him as one sergeant Eyo. B. with force number 93NA/968.

 It was further learned that the suspects were about to embark on a robbery operation around 7pm on that fateful day when police received a distress call about the robbery.

The Officer in Charge of SARS, Mr. Abba Kyari, a superintendent of police, had immediately ordered his men to the area.

A police source claimed that the suspects, seeing the police, immediately opened fire on the policemen.

The SARS men had immediately replied, killing two of the suspects while the third suspect, Chinonso Egbuzobi, was taken alive.

Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, said ammunition and a vehicle were recovered from the suspects.

She explained that: “Around 7pm on Wednesday, the Officer in Charge of SARS, SP Abba Kyari, received information that a group of deadly armed robbers were about to strike in Ilasa Maja area Lagos. Kyari deployed his men in the area and they engaged the robbers in a shootout and arrested one of the gang members, Chinonso Egbuzobi, 28.

“Two of the armed robbers, including one with Nigeria Army ID Card with No 93NA/968 depicting Sgt Eyo B were fatally wounded.

“An AK47 rifle with S/no 05267, 11 Loaded AK47 Magazines, Chevrolet Jeep with plate number, LH 124 EKY were recovered. Investigation continues.”

All attempts to speak with the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Obi Umahi, for comment, proved abortive as his phone was said to be switched off.