Three suspected armed robbers were killed in a fierce gun battle between Delta State Police Command operatives and local vigilantes.

DSP Bright Edafe (spokesperson for the command), disclosed that seven suspected robbers were arrested and seven cartridges and guns were recovered by operatives.

"On the 24th of June 2022, at around 1635hrs, Operatives of Dragon Patrol team were on stop-and-search duty along Eku – Abraka road in Ethiope east LGA, Delta State when a lady (Name withheld) informed them that she sighted some armed robbers, who robbed her at her POS shop on 29/05/2022," reads the statement.

The team quickly acted and arrested Jeffrey Osemudiamen,'m' 36 of no. 28 Osazuwa Street Benin City, Eddy Gabriel (m) age 33, Promise Imade (m) age 31, both of no. 14 Paris Street, Oghara, Ethiope West LA and recovered the following items from them: one (1) locally manufactured gun, four (four) live cartridges, one (1) walkie-talkie set, and four (4) Android phones that were suspected to be stolen. Investigative efforts are ongoing.

In another development, on Thursday, June 23, at about 8:15pm, Dragon Patrol Team, while on stop and search at Oleh roundabout in Isoko South LGA, intercepted a tricycle with reg no. Ekp 290 QL, conveying three passengers namely; Friday Nosakhare ‘m’ age 23, Efe Pius ’m’ age 19, Okwudili Okorie ‘m’ age 30, all of refinery road Warri.

They were subjected to search which led to the recovery of one locally-made cut-to-size gun and two live cartridges concealed under the seat of the tricycle. Investigation is ongoing.

"On 23/06/2022 at about 0500hrs, the DPO Ozoro, acting on a distress call, that armed robbers were operating at Etereva Street, Ozoro in Isoko North LGA, mobilized and led a combined team of Police and vigilantes to the scene.

"On arrival, the hoodlums engaged the team in a shootout during which one of the armed robbers sustained bullet injuries while the others escaped. One cut-to-size single barrel gun, two expended cartridges, one laptop, were recovered. The injured suspect later gave up the ghost while receiving treatment at the hospital. Manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang is ongoing,"

"Similarly, on 23/06/2022, at about 0400hrs, acting on a distress call, that armed robbers were operating along Igbuku Road in Orogun Community, the DPO Orogun Division, SP. Obonoh Ndem, led a team of Police and vigilantes to the scene, engaged the armed robbers in a gun duel, during which two of the suspected armed robbers sustained bullet injuries, while one of the suspect, Benedict Agbawara ‘m’ age 22yrs of Abbi town was arrested.

"Three {03} locally made cut-to-size guns, one live cartridge and one motorcycle were recovered. The Injured suspects were taken to the hospital where they later died while receiving treatment. Investigation is ongoing."