Ebonyi: Soldiers Kill Nine Robbery Suspects

Soldiers attached to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, have shot dead nine armed robbers while 6 others escaped into a nearby bush along Afikpo-Amasiri axis, Ebonyi State.

Items recovered from the fleeing robbers included 2 RPG7 bombs, 28 empty magazine, 2 Gas Cylinders, 37 empty cases of 7.62 mm special ammunition, 22 live rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 2 vehicles.

The robbers met their waterloo shortly after a foiled bank robbery attack that took place in Ikom, Cross River state and subsequent gun battle that ensued  between soldiers and armed robbers along Afikpo-Amasire Axis towards Enugu-Port Harcourt Express Way, led to the death of the robbers.

Confirming the foiled bank robbery attack, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, (ADAPR), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, said the incident occurred about “1830 hours on Tuesday January 24, 2012”.

Lt Col Musa said the robbery attack also led to the death of eight civilians and a policeman, adding that of the eight victims, four were killed at the bank premises while the other four lost their lives when the robbers started shooting indiscriminately to facilitate the escape.

He said that the robbers fled towards Ebonyi state in two vehicles  through the  Ugep-Abomigbe Road.

Musa further disclosed that soldiers on routine patrol in Ebonyi state who  were informed of the development subsequently intercepted the robbers along Afikpo-Amasire Axis  towards Enugu-Port Harcourt Express Way resulting to heavy exchange of force arms leading to death of the nine robbers on the spot and a soldier.