Nigeria: Gun battle in Abuja: Police foil night robbery, rescue victims in Apo

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A robbery attempt in Abuja’s Apo Resettlement area ended in failure on Monday night, thanks to the swift and strategic intervention of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the Zone E Extension of Apo. A commercial motorcyclist’s distress call alerted police to gunshots in the area, prompting an urgent response from the Apo Divisional Police Officer, Uchenna Igwebuike, who deployed the Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the attackers engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle. Additional reinforcements led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Isyaku Sharu, soon arrived, overwhelming the criminals with superior firepower and forcing them to flee into nearby hills.

During the operation, three injured victims were rescued, and a green Toyota Corolla with plate number GWA 620 AU—belonging to one of the victims—was recovered at the scene. All the injured were rushed to Sahad Hospital for emergency treatment. Sadly, one of them later died from his wounds.

A joint manhunt involving police and local vigilantes is ongoing to capture the fleeing suspects. The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has extended condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to report anyone with suspicious injuries.

Residents, particularly in Apo, have been encouraged to remain alert and work closely with law enforcement to keep the area safe.