Gunmen In Police Uniform Destroy Atms, Steal N20m In Rivers

Gunmen dressed in police uniform on Wednesday stormed the Rivers State University and broke several Automated Teller Machines belonging to a new generation bank, carting away over N20m.

A witness said the five-man gang ordered the varsity security guards on duty to open the gate, as they headed straight for the bank, which was near a park in the institution, The Publisher Nieria gathered.

According to the witness, the hoodlums tied up shuttle drivers who slept at the park as well as the security men guarding the facility.

He said the robbers destroyed four ATMs and stole the money in the machines before driving off.

A spokesman for the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident, said the security guards had been invited for questioning.

“That they were dressed in police uniform is in the realm of speculation. Well, I can confirm to you that unknown thieves burgled the ATM gallery at the Rivers State University and carted away money running into millions of naira.

“About N20m was taken away from the ATM gallery. They damaged the four ATM stands and looted them,” he added.

Omoni said five persons had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that the state Commissioner of Police led a team to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

He noted that some of the bank staff had also been invited.

Our correspondent reports that a police station is a few kilometres away from the university gate.