Soldiers have killed three members of a suspected robbery gang that has been terrorising Aba, Abia State’s commercial centre.
The soldiers are members of the Joint Task Force of the ongoing Atilogwu Udo Dance in the Southeast attached to the 14 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia.
It was learnt that the three suspects, who specialised in car-snatching, were shot dead in a gun duel.
The soldiers recovered a stolen car and arms from the suspects’ hideout.
A source, who pleaded not to be named, told newsmen that the Joint Task Force went to the Ala Oji Area of Aba after receiving a distress call.
The source added that 10 persons were arrested when the Joint Task Force raided the hideout.
The source said: “The incident happened at Alaoji at about 4:45am. On getting there, the armed robbers sighted the patrol team and ran into the bush, abandoning a car that they snatched.
“One of the suspects was caught while some weapons were recovered from them.
“He took the team to their hideout. While trying to arrest other members of the gang, they had an exchange of gunfire.
“Three of them were killed. Five weapons were recovered. Ten persons were arrested in their hideout at Alaoji/Ugwunagbo area.
“They will be handed over to our sister security agencies for prosecution.”