Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have killed a suspected armed robber during a gun duel, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The incident occurred on Monday along the Abuja-Kaduna Road.

The operatives, who were on routine patrol with some soldiers, intercepted the suspected robbers and engaged them in a gun battle.

One of the suspected robbers was gunned down.

The spokesperson for the Niger Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the incident, said the other suspects are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

The body of the slain suspect was deposited at the Sabon-Wuse General Hospital morgue.

A wooden, carved gun resembling an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene. “On 16th June 2025, at about 5:30am, based on credible information received, police operatives from Gawu-Babangida Division, along with some military personnel on routine patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, intercepted some suspected armed robbers and engaged them in a gun battle. “Fortunately, one of the robbers was neutralised, while others are believed to have escaped with gunshot injuries.

“The corpse was deposited at the Sabon-Wuse General Hospital morgue. A wooden, carved gun in the form of an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene.

“In addition, one handset with a SIM card and charms tied to the deceased’s waist was recovered. The handset is being analysed as part of the investigation to arrest other members of the gang,” Abiodun stated.

The spokesperson also confirmed the rescue of a suspected motorcycle thief from a mob by police operatives.

The suspect, 25-year-old Abdullahi Abubakar of Barkin-Sale, was rescued from being lynched by the mob after he allegedly attempted to steal a Bajaj motorcycle around the General Hospital, Minna.

“Similarly, on 16th June 2025, at about 4pm, a distress call was received at ‘A’ Division Minna that a suspected motorcycle thief had been caught and was about to be lynched by a mob. “The police patrol team from the division, led by the DPO, rushed to the scene and rescued the suspect, Abdullahi Abubakar, 25, of Barkin-Sale, along with the Bajaj motorcycle he attempted to steal near the General Hospital, Minna.

“He has been taken into custody. Investigation is ongoing, and he will be charged to court after the investigation,” Abiodun said.
THE PUNCH