Some suspected armed robbers have been stuck at a First Bank of Nigeria branch in Mpape area of Abuja after a failed operation.
The robbers gained entry into the bank on Saturday morning after sporadic gunshots, but have been unable to leave following a police siege.
Various witnesses said some policemen and soldiers who were immediately deployed in the area have surrounded the bank premises.
There is ongoing chaos in the area, a densely populated suburb, as residents and passersby have gathered, watching the scene play out.
Anjuri Manzah, the spokesman of the federal capital territory (FCT) police command, did not immediately respond to inquiries but later said they arrested four of the suspected robbers and killed another who tried to escape.
The suspects were picked up after surrendering to the security operatives at the scene.
Bala Ciroma, FCT police commissioner, also said that one of those arrested is an official of the bank.
Ciroma, who was on the ground at the scene, said the police are still investigating to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We have concluded the operation. Four suspects arrested and one dead. One of them is an insider but we are still investigating,” he said.
A statement from the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police, signed by the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Mariam, read, “In prompt response to a distress call at Mpape , the FCT Police Command has foiled an attempted robbery attack at a First Bank branch at about 1200hrs, on Saturday.
“Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and engaged in crossfire with the robbers thereby foiling the attack on the bank with the back up of the Military. Consequently, Four (4) suspects were arrested and one shot dead while trying to escape.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a discreet investigation of the incident. The Command urges residents to remain calm as normalcy has been restored while reaffirming its commitment to nip crime in the bud and ensure safety in the FCT”.
