The Delta State Police Command has advised banks requiring Police escort to adhere to laid down regulations especially during the ‘ember’ months.

This follows the armed robbery attack which occurred last Tuesday at one of the Asaba branches of a new generation bank located between Otulu and Ubulu-Okiti, along Asaba/Benin expressway.

The Cash Management Officer of the branch, Amina Oyewole, the Chief Security Officer and two drivers were subsequently arrested by the police. The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, said the arrest followed preliminary investigation into the attack, which revealed that, in a bid to cut corners, the bank officials illegally picked seven Police Officers from different locations, yet to be determined, and engaged them in an illegal escort for the conveyance of the sum of N25 million from its branch in Agbor to Asaba without using a serviceable, secure armoured bullion van as required by law.

The PPRO added that when the bank officials earlier approached the Operations Department of the Command for escort men their request was turned down on the grounds that the bank does not have a serviceable bullion van needed for such operations.

“Sadly, during the attack, one of the Police escorts was fatally injured by the armed robbers who also emptied the N25 million into their cars – a Honda Pilot Jeep and Toyota Corolla, registration numbers unknown, and escaped,” he said.

The Command reassured members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the fleeing armed robbers are apprehended and brought to book and calls on them to avail it of any information that will lead to the realisation of this goal.

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