Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have engaged a four-man armed gang suspected to be car snatchers in a gun battle during an attempted vehicle theft in Abuja.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, disclosed this to journalists on Monday.

According to him, the incident occurred on Friday at about 7:42 p.m. at Efab Bridge during a routine stop-and-search operation.

He said operatives attached to the Galadimawa Division encountered the armed suspects, who opened fire on the police while attempting to snatch two vehicles — a 2014 Hyundai Elantra with registration number DKA 776 FW and a 2008 Lexus Jeep with registration number KWL 530 BM.

“The police officers responded promptly and tactically, applying superior firepower, which forced the suspects to abandon the vehicles and flee the scene,” Dantawaye said.

He added that due to the pressure mounted by the operatives, all three vehicles involved in the incident, including the suspects’ operational vehicle — a white Volkswagen — were recovered at the scene.

The police commissioner said investigations are ongoing to identify, track, and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Commending the swift and proactive response of the operatives, CP Dantawaye reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across the FCT.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the FCT Police Command emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883. (Daily Trust)