A police operation in the early hours of Thursday led to the fatal shooting of a suspected armed robber identified as Blessing, who was reportedly hiding out in a refuse dump in the Katangua area of Abule Egba, Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the incident followed a well-coordinated raid based on credible intelligence.
According to police sources, the operation was launched around 1:30 a.m., targeting a gang believed to be operating from the dump site. Upon arrival, officers came under gunfire from the suspect, prompting them to return fire.
“There was a fierce gun duel. The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” a source involved in the operation told Fast Track News.
Gang Leader’s Confession Led Police to the Hideout
Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the operation was triggered by information obtained from a previously arrested suspect, Yakubu Adeyemi, a 43-year-old robbery suspect.
“Our operatives stormed the Katangua refuse dump to apprehend other gang members and retrieve weapons,” Hundeyin stated.
“On sighting the police, the suspect known as Blessing opened fire. Our officers responded appropriately. He was confirmed dead at Oke Odo General Hospital.”
Weapons Recovered from the Scene
During the operation, officers recovered the following items:
-
One AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of ammunition
-
A locally made single-barrel pistol
-
Four live cartridges
The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Mainland Hospital mortuary for autopsy, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
The police have assured the public of continued efforts to rid the state of criminal elements hiding in unconventional locations.
