Soldiers, others arrested over Ebonyi bullion van robbery

Bullion-Van
A bullion van used to illustrate story

Police have arrested seven suspects including a serving and a dismissed soldier for alleged involvement in the robbery of a bullion van in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

The bullion van was attacked on July 29 on its way from Enugu to Ebonyi with four policemen shot dead.

Suspects were arrested a few days later in Delta State by the combined efforts of the Force Intelligence Response Team and the Tactical Intelligence Unit, PRNigeria reports.

“During a serious Manhunt by IRT Detectives with technical Intelligence Support from TIU arrested one Alfred Robinson, 45 years of age, a native of Gelegele Town in Ovia North LGA of Edo State on 1/8/2020 in Asaba, Delta State,” the online platform reports.

“During intensive follow-up, six more gang members were arrested by IRT Detectives within 24hrs. They include: Sgt Ayeni Samuel, a Nigerian Soldier serving in Ikeja, Lagos; Cpl Emeka Harrison a dismissed Soldier who had served in Maiduguri Borno State; Emeka Illo, the Sponsor of the operation; and Abuchi Elijah Aka ‘Chime D Mosquito’ an Informant for the robbers and Ibanifiroi Ekiene a native of Tombia Community.

“Firearms recovered from the criminals include 12 undetonated improvised explosives, one GPMG, six rifles, 51 AK-47 magazines, 1,620 ammunition, 2 robbed vehicles, breaking implements and charms.”

The suspects were said to have confessed that four out of the rifles recovered belonged to the policemen killed during the robbery.

Police are still looking to apprehending other members of the gang.

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