Police Foil Armed Robbery, Rescue Victims Amid Gun Battle

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully thwarted a robbery attempt in the Zone E Extension area of Apo Resettlement, Abuja.

The incident occurred on the night of Sunday, June 23, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., sparking a fierce gun duel between the police and the armed assailants.

The operation began when the Divisional Police Officer of the Apo Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Uchenna Igwebuike, received a distress call from a commercial motorcycle rider who had witnessed suspicious activities in the area. Responding promptly, officers from the division were deployed to the scene to investigate and contain the situation.

Upon arrival, the responding officers came under heavy fire from the armed criminals. Demonstrating tactical coordination and bravery, the police team engaged the suspects in a gun battle.

Reinforcements led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu, were quickly dispatched to the scene. With superior firepower and strategic maneuvers, the police overpowered the robbers, forcing them to retreat and flee into the nearby hills under the cover of darkness.

In the aftermath of the operation, three victims—who had suffered various degrees of injuries at the hands of the attackers—were rescued by police operatives. One of the vehicles stolen by the criminals, a light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, was recovered at the crime scene.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Josephine Adeh, all the rescued victims were immediately taken to Sahad Hospital in Apo Resettlement for emergency treatment.

Tragically, despite medical efforts, one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries and was confirmed dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue. CSP Adeh expressed the Command’s condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated the police’s commitment to safeguarding residents of the FCT.

In the wake of the incident, the Command has launched a coordinated manhunt involving both police operatives and local vigilante groups to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects. Communities in and around Apo Resettlement have been placed on alert.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has extended heartfelt sympathy to the family of the deceased. He reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of all residents across the Territory.

He further appealed to members of the public—particularly those residing in the Apo area and its environs—to assist law enforcement by reporting any individual seen with suspicious injuries or gunshot wounds. Such reports can be made anonymously via the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 or 08028940883.

CP Adewale also called on citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, stressing that community collaboration remains a crucial pillar in the fight against crime and criminality.