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Nigeria, Benin security forces arrest 3 cross-border bank robbers, kill six

By Odita Sunday
17 March 2016   |   3:34 pm
A joint effort of Nigeria and Benin Republic security agents has led to the arrest of 3international bandits specialized in a bank robbery.
Some of the weapons seized from the criminals PHOTO: Odita Sunday

Some of the weapons seized from the criminals PHOTO: Odita Sunday

A joint effort of Nigeria and Benin Republic security agents has led to the arrest of 3international bandits specialized in a bank robbery.

The security forces comprising Lagos State police command, Benin Regional Police squad at the Krake, Seme border, Nigeria customs and Immigration also killed six of the suspected robbers who attempted to rob banks and Bureau De Change in Seme.

The suspects heavily armed with Ak 47 rifles, Dynamites, Rocket Launchers and other sophisticated weapons attempted to enter Nigeria through the legitimate route, but they were repelled by the vigilant joint security forces.

They, however, changed their plan and attempted to unleash terror at the border through the sea, but the joint security forces engaged them in a gun duel, leading to the death of the six suspected robbers.

The suspects abandoned some arms and ammunition in Nigeria and fled to Benin in their flying boats. They were however suppressed by the superior fire power of the joint security forces.

They were said to have abandoned one of their boats and other weapons.

Recovered from the hoodlums are: one speed boat, 883 live ammunition, 6 Loaded Magazines, Dynamites and other deadly weapons.

The commissioner of police, Lagos State command, Fatai Owoseni who visited the scene in company with the Regional Director Department of police, Benin Republic, Ogouchoro Severin, Customs Area controller, Seme border, Victor Dimka, Nigeria Immigration Area controller, Seme border, Barko noted that intelligence report was received two weeks ago that some hoodlums were planning to raid some banks in Seme.

“It was the synergy between Nigeria government and that of Benin Republic that led to the successful operation which foiled the attempt by dare deviled armed robbers to rob our banks in Seme border.

“As they were going to attack banks in Seme, we gave them the fight of their life and they abandoned their boats, arms and ammunition and fled through the waterways to Benin Republic where we also engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

“Some of them fell inside the water, 3 of them were arrested while some of them escaped with bullet injuries. We are appealing to Nigerians and Beninois to report to the nearest security post when they see dead bodies floating in the water or persons with bullet injuries.

“I want to also appeal to medical practitioners and trado-medical healing centres to report any patient injuries to the police. We appreciate our colleagues in Benin Republic for their efforts.” Owoseni said.

His Beninoise counterpart, Severin pledged that his country would work with Nigerian security forces at Seme border to check crimes.

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