The Imo State Police Command says its Tactical Teams have bursted a robbery syndicate while on aggressive stop and search operation along Owerri/Onitsha Road.
The command said its stop and search team stationed before Federal Road Safety Corps office, Imo State, flagged down a Toyota Corolla car with registration number JIJ 767 AT.
CSP Mike Abattam, the command’s public relations officer explained that the driver, pretending to stop, veered off the road into the bush.
According to him, the three occupants swiftly opened the doors, jumped out and took to their heels.
“But were given a hot chase by the gallant Police Operatives whom after a reasonable distance in the bush, were able to arrest two of the suspects namely, Felix Edem Ekanem ‘m’ aged 30yrs of 67 IBB Way, Calabar, Cross River State and Daniel Bassey Edet ‘m’ aged 35yrs of Ididem Ebiono LGA, Akwa Ibom State respectively, while one escaped.
“In the course of interrogation the suspects revealed that they robbed the car on gun point from its owner in Calabar, Cross River State and were heading to Anambra State to sell it.
“They also claimed to be operating in Calabar metropolis and mentioned the names of other members of their syndicate including the buyer in Anambra State .
“However, investigation is in progress and efforts are on top gear to arrest other members of the syndicate.
“Meanwhile, the command is appealing to all and sundry to assist the police and other security agencies with credible information and to report any suspicious activities observed in their community to the nearest police station or call the command’s emergency numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197”.