Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Nasarawa killed a suspected armed robber during a patrol operation on the Lafia–Obi road on Friday evening.
Gatekeepers News reports that the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Rahman Nansel, said officers from the Jenkwe division encountered a five-man armed robbery gang that had blocked the highway around 7:45pm. The suspects opened fire on the patrol team, prompting a gunfight.
During the exchange, police killed one of the suspects and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and one live round of ammunition. The other members of the gang fled into the bush, and authorities believe some may have sustained gunshot injuries.
Police deposited the body of the deceased at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital and launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
The operation aligns with directives from Shetima Mohammed, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, to intensify raids on criminal hideouts and ensure a peaceful yuletide.
Nansel praised the bravery and professionalism of the officers and urged them to continue actively tackling criminal activities across the state.
Security sources noted that patrols in the area have increased in recent weeks due to a rise in highway robberies, and the police have vowed to sustain pressure on armed gangs to protect commuters.
