Gun battle in Benin: Edo security corps arrests 38-year-old suspect

A 38-year-old suspected armed robber, Sadiq Mohammed, has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).

Mohammed, a native of Kogi State, was apprehended in Benin City and is alleged to be a member of a four-man gang that had been terrorising residents of Oluku, Ugbowo and the Uselu axis of the state capital.

Confirming the arrest, the Deputy Commander (Operations) of the Corps, Richard Balogun, said the suspect was apprehended at a residence in Oluku, a suburban community in Benin City.

Balogun disclosed that the suspect and his accomplices, who are currently at large, had stormed Oluku to carry out an armed robbery operation.

However, the gang met stiff resistance from operatives of the Edo State Security Corps, leading to a fierce gun battle.

During the confrontation, some ESSC operatives sustained gunshot injuries.

Mohammed was arrested at the scene, while other members of the gang managed to escape.

Items recovered from the suspect include a locally made pistol, knives and mobile phones.

Balogun added that the suspect has been handed over to the police for profiling and further investigation, assuring that operatives of the ESSC would continue to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.