Police ASP Shot for Allegedly Trying to Escape with Stolen Fuel in Lagos

Posted by Odinaka on Mon 07th Dec, 2015 - tori.ng

Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Lagos State Command have shot an Assistant Superintendent of Police during a gun fight.

An Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Charles Achidika, has been shot by the operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command during a gun fight between the corps and suspected oil thieves which he was alleged to be a part of.

According to reports the men of the NSCDC had on December 2 at about 2:00am shot Achidika alongside two others, yet to be identified, on the Badagry waterways during a gun duel after the suspects attempted to transport 12,400 litres of petrol, believed to have been stolen from a vandalised pipeline, in Seme, Lagos border town.

The police ASP was alleged to have first shot at the NSCDC operatives when the boat carrying the fuel was flagged down. The NSCDC operatives however overpowered the ASP leading to his arrest and that of his injured accomplices.

Following the gunshot shot injuries sustained, he was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital where he is currently battling for survival.

Five other suspects arrested in the operation include, Bendran Isaac, Kobla Fashawo, Jimoh Olusegun, Akapo Joseph, and Amos Bakom. An AK-47 rifle with the Nigeria Police Force inscribed on it and a pistol were recovered from the suspects.

Achidika, who denied being involved in the illegal oil business, said the boat operators were only conveying him to where he wanted to apprehend some robbers when he was shot.

"I am the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad attached to Badagry. We went for an anti-robbery operation. During the operation, officers of the NSCDC shot me. I didn’t go there to steal fuel. I don’t have the strength to talk."

NSCDC State Commandant, Gabriel Abafi, who confirmed the arrest, said six of the suspects escaped during the gun fight.

"The suspects were caught around Gberefu community in Badagry after a tip-off. On getting there, we saw a fishing boat filled with pirates and arrested them. They shot at our men. Among them was a police officer. The police officer and two others were wounded. About 496 of 25litres of fuel, an AK-47 rifle and a pistol were recovered. Investigation is on," Abafi said.