The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase has promised to replace a Toyota Hilux patrol vehicle of the Rivers State Police Command that was blown up with dynamites by suspected armed robbers on Monday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The patrol vehicle, attached to the Rumueprikom Police Division, was blown up along Psychiatrist Hospital Road, Rumuomoi, in Obio/Akpor local government area of the state, when suspected armed robbers engaged policemen in a gun duel.

The state commissioner of police, Mr. Musa Kimo, announced the gesture  while briefing newsmen yesterday at the headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Rukpokwu, in Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.

Kimo said, “On 18/04/2016 at about 10:30 am, following an information  that a Toyota Venza snatched at gun point three days ago was sighted along Psychiatric road, Port Harcourt, teams of policemen quickly mobilized, trailed and engaged the the vehicles occupants in a gun duel.

“A police vehicle was blown up by the hoodlums and I immediately informed the Inspector-General of Police who has graciously promised to replace that vehicle. The command is profoundly honoured and exceedingly humbled by the kind gesture of the Inspector-General of Police.”

He stated that a member of the suspected armed robbery gang was killed during the gun duel while another one was arrested, adding that a total of five assorted brands of vehicles, as well as arns and ammunition were recovered from the hoodlums.

The police commissioner said, “One of the hoodlums was fatally wounded while one AK 47 rifle, six magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition and thirteen pieces of objects suspected to be dynamite.

“Five different brands of vehicles were also recovered. They are, Lexus Jeep RX 300 ash colour No. Rivers KRK 957 BX, Toyota Highlander ash colour,  No. Rivers AHD 159 SJ, Toyota Venza green colour No. Rivers NCH 262 ST; Toyota Lexus RX 300 grey colour No. Lagos LSR 957 DU and Toyota Corolla ash colour No. Abuja ABC 433 VH.”