Police foil bank raid, robbers escape as customers

BENIN—A combined unit of armed mobile policemen and soldiers, yesterday, foiled an arm robbery attack at Union Bank Auchi, Edo State. It was learnt that the robbers stormed the bank at about at about 4pm and held customers and staff hostage. However, while they were inside, a combined unit of soldiers and mobile policemen stormed the bank, deflating the tyres of the vehicles brought by the robbers after a gun duel.
The robbers ran back into the bank and held the people inside hostage. The security operatives then called for reinforcement and cordoned off the bank. At about 6:30pm, the security operatives gained entrance into the bank. But they could not identify the robbers as customers, staff and the robbers rushed out together.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammed Handi, who coordinated the operation, confirmed the incident. He noted that nothing was stolen from the bank due to the determination of the security operatives.
He said: “Nothing was stolen. The robbers pretended to be customers and escaped with the staff when our men forced themselves inside the bank. There was a shoot-out but we were careful not to hurt customers. The robber left their guns and other ammunition behond.”

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