Suspected armed robbers killed a deputy superintendent of police in a robbery attempt at a residential neighbourhood in Asaba, Delta capital, on Tuesday.

The robbery was, however, repelled by men of “Operation Still Water II’’ of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba.

Ibrahim Gambari, the brigade’s chief of staff, said 141 suspects were subsequently arrested after the robbery attempt at about 3:00 a.m.

He said troops arrested eight suspects at the crime scene; two were shot and wounded, while two others fled with bullet wounds.

“We got there and met an exchange of gunfire. The robbers had gunned down a police officer, and our men engaged them in another gun duel.

“After the incident, troops swooped on criminal hotspots in the area and arrested another 135 suspects.

“We also recovered a locally-made pistol with a live cartridge at the scene of the crime and many items stolen from residents of the neighbourhood.

“After the random arrests, residents identified eight of the suspects as criminal elements terrorising the area,’’ Mr Gambari said.

He said the army had handed over all the suspects to the police for profiling and prosecution. 

(NAN)