By Esther Onyegbula

Armed robbers, yesterday, killed a commercial bike operator during a robbery operation along First Gate, Maza-Maza axis of Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

This came as Lagos State Police Command arrested seven suspected armed robbers terrorising residents of Magbon, Pure Water, Aradagun and Oko-Afo area of the state.

On the Maza-Maza incident, Vanguard gathered that several others were injured as the five-man robbery gang, who traced a bureau de change agent from Cotonou in Benin Republic, reportedly opened fire on passengers and road users going about their normal duties.

It was learned that the robbers, after successfully carrying out the operation and carting away about N18 million, shot a commercial bike operator, while attempting to escape.

A newspaper vendor who also spoke to Vanguard, said the robbers capitalized on the incessant traffic jams on the road to strike.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command has arrested seven suspected armed robbers terrorizing residents of Magbon, Pure Water, Aradagun and Oko-Afo area in Lagos.

The suspects, identified as Adebayo Tomoloju, 27; Christian Matthew, 24; Olaotan Joshua, 24; Oladele Alade, 22; Ogene Ochuko, 23; and Ajayi Peter, 20, were arrested in their hideout in Lagos.

It was gathered that Assistant Superintendent of Police, Usman Jimoh, attached to Convoy Patrol, Morogbo Division and his team, were ambushed and attacked by hoodlums with dangerous objects, which led to one of the officers, Isiaka Liadi, sustaining a severe eye injury.

Vanguard gathered that some of the victims hit by stray bullets are currently receiving treatment in a nearby hospital.

In a bust-up operation on February 8, 2015, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Akintade William, seven notorious armed robbers and cultists who have been terrorizing the residents in the area were arrested from their various hideouts.

Vanguard learnt that the suspects confessed to be responsible for killings, robbery, and bag snatching with motorcycles in areas like Okokomaiko, Magbon, Pure water, Aradagun and its environs.

Some of the items recovered from the hoodlums are one locally made single Barrel pistol, one dame gun, one long jack knife, one toy pistol, one axe, one cutlass, one UTC sharp knife, one kitchen knife, two motorcycles and assorted charms.

Confirming the reports, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, said effort was being made to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.

The case is under investigation at Special Anti – Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja.