THISDAYonline

Pandemonium broke out yesterday between policemen and some soldiers at Agbara end of Mile 2 Badagry Expressway, following the alleged abduction of about four policemen attached to the Federal Highway Patrol by a group of persons said to be in military uniforms.

At least about five persons, including some policemen were said to have sustained severe injuries as a result of the gun battle that erupted between both parties. Although, details of the incident was still sketchy as at presstime, but a police source at Area E Police Command said, the group who were about nine in number also made away with the officers service rifles.

According to the source, the four abducted highway policemen were detailed to mount guard at a popular black spot located along the Badagry express way at the time of the incident based on an intelligence report about the activities of some notorious car snatchers who had converted the road into a safe heaven for the criminal activities.

Shortly after their arrival, the source said, the policemen confronted a group who were in a convoy of about two vehicles. Adding that the group, who were conducting themselves in a suspicious manner, were alleged to be in military uniform and were driving dangerously against traffic towards the black spot.

When confronted, the source stated further that, the suspects were angered by the actions of the officers who demanded for the documents of the two vehicles before they could be allowed to go.

"The suspects who are more in number than the policemen overpowered the highway officer and subsequently abducted about four of the policemen" the source said.

The suspects who later freed the police officers were alleged to have made away with their official arms and ammunition.

However, luck ran against the fleeing gunmen as the freed officers later called for assistance from their colleagues from Agbara Police station.

Following the distress call that was received from the officers a detachment of operatives from the operation fire for fire squad gave the fleeing gun men a hot chase.

Another police source at Ijanikin Police Station, where the suspects were being held, said that a member of the group later identified himself as a Colonel.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer ,PPRO, Superintendent Mr Emmanuel Ighodalo, while confirming the report, however, said that he was not in possession of details of the shoot out.