Two suspected armed robbers were shot dead by their own gang members while attempting to evade police arrest in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State on November 20, 2024, around 4:30 PM.

The incident occurred when the suspects, after being confronted by the Police Surveillance Team from Ekpan Division at Effurun Roundabout, were caught in a gunfight. The gang members opened fire, fatally wounding two of their own as they engaged with the police. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the injured suspects died while receiving treatment.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, stating that the police had initially arrested a 31-year-old man named Eto, who was found with a black bag containing 57 live cartridges. Eto led the police to their hideout at Coconut Village along Warri/Sapele Road, where a second suspect, 25-year-old Sunny, was arrested.

Following Eto’s confession, the police raided the gang’s main camp behind the 3 Battalion Barracks Army Estate in Effurun, also known as “Korodo.” As the police approached the camp, other gang members opened fire, leading to the crossfire that resulted in the deaths of the two suspects.

During the search of the camp, police recovered an English pump-action gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun, eight live cartridges, six iPhones, several smartphones, and a Rolex gold wristwatch.

The manhunt for the remaining fleeing suspects is ongoing.