There was confusion on Monday on Okunola Road in the Idimu area of Lagos State after suspected armed robbers unleashed mayhem.
It was learnt that a police inspector, who had just left a commercial bank in the area around 11.45am, was attacked and robbed by a three-man gang, which came on a motorcycle. They reportedly shot the inspector in the jaw before dispossessing him of his money.
It was also learnt that while the robbers were escaping from the scene, a police patrol team, attached to the Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Intelligence Unit, engaged the robbers in a shootout.
Two of the robbers were reportedly killed during the exchange, while a surviving member of the gang, identified as Gafaru Ismail, was arrested.
The injured police inspector, who was not in uniform at the time of the attack, was reportedly rushed to a general hospital in the area, while the slain robbers and the suspect were taken to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja.
A resident, who gave his name only as Ramoni, said the robbers targeted people leaving banking premises, adding that the inspector was the second victim.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.
She said, “On sighting the operatives, the robbers opened fire and the team responded during which two of the robbers were hit by bullets. “They were confirmed dead in a hospital. The case has been transferred to SARS for further investigation.
“The suspect, Ismail, has been on the wanted list of the command for cases of armed robbery. Items recovered from the gang were two pistols, four live ammunition and one motorcycle.
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