Lagos: Police Kill 2 suspected robbers, arrest 26-year-old

Operatives of the Lagos state Police command’s anti-kidnapping unit have killed two suspected armed robbers and arrested a 26-year-old member of the gang during a gun duel at Ijora-Badia, Lagos.

The operation, which occurred at about 10pm on October 4, followed actionable intelligence on the activities of a suspected robbery gang operating in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters, Ikeja, saying the suspects were traced to their hideout along Gasikia road, Ijora-Badia.

According to him, the suspects opened fire on the operatives after sighting them, leading to a gun battle in which two members of the gang were fatally wounded, while another escaped.

CP Fatai said operatives arrested another suspect, identified as Patrick Asusse, during the operation.

Two Beretta pistols and four rounds of live 9mm ammunition were also recovered from the suspects.

The Commissioner said preliminary investigation indicated that the gang was allegedly preparing to embark on another robbery operation before the police intervention.

Speaking during the briefing, Asusse allegedly confessed to having recently joined the gang, claiming that some of its members invited him to accompany them for an operation.

The suspect alleged that the gang members came to his residence and persuaded him to follow them, using a regular Uber vehicle.

According to him, the group specialised in breaking into houses and stealing valuables, including mobile phones.

He claimed that he had previously rejected invitations to participate in robbery operations but eventually followed the gang members, insisting that he did not know police operatives were inside the vehicle when he was taken along.

“I no carry any gun,” Asusse said, while acknowledging that two guns were allegedly available to members of the gang.

The suspect, who said he has a child and no regular source of income, appealed for forgiveness and promised to abandon criminal activities.

“I want to change. Almighty God, I want to change. My mother is an old woman. I swear, I will change,” he pleaded.

He further claimed that members of the gang sometimes gave him small amounts of money.

The police said investigation was ongoing to establish the suspect’s level of involvement, apprehend the fleeing member of the gang and recover more weapons.

CP Fatai reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and proactive policing aimed at preventing violent crimes and protecting lives and property across Lagos.