Brazen Daylight Robbery on First East Circular Road
A police sergeant identified as Aminu Yusuf was shot dead by armed robbers in a daring attack in Benin City, Edo State, on July 16, 2025. The incident occurred in the early afternoon, just after a Chinese expatriate, whom Yusuf was assigned to protect, withdrew a significant sum of money from a commercial bank in the state capital.
How the Attack Unfolded
- The sergeant and the expatriate were returning from the bank along First East Circular Road when their vehicle was ambushed by four armed men.
- The assailants opened fire before the officer could react, fatally wounding him.
- After the shooting, the attackers seized the sergeant’s AK-47 rifle (breech number BD 347851), 30 rounds of ammunition, and a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be in the millions.
Immediate Aftermath
- Sgt. Yusuf was rushed to a specialist hospital in Benin City, but medical personnel declared him dead on arrival.
- His remains were subsequently deposited in a mortuary.
- The police officer was on official assignment, escorting the expatriate for a routine company cash movement.
Police Response
- The Edo State Police Command has confirmed an ongoing manhunt for those behind the attack.
- “A manhunt has been launched. We are working with available intelligence to arrest those behind this brutal attack,” a senior officer said, stressing the gravity of the incident as a direct assault on the police force.
- As of press time, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, had not yet issued an official statement.
Rising Concern Over Targeted Attacks
This brazen robbery and murder highlight persistent security concerns for police escorts and expatriates involved in large cash movements within Benin City and across Nigeria. Security experts note that attackers often have detailed knowledge of their targets’ routes and schedules, pointing to possible insider collusion or surveillance.
Key Details at a Glance
| Incident Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | July 16, 2025, 2:45pm |
| Location | First East Circular Road, Benin City, Edo State |
| Victim | Sgt. Aminu Yusuf |
| Affiliation | Police orderly to Chinese expatriate |
| Stolen Items | AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds, cash (millions) |
| Suspects | Four unidentified gunmen |
| Status | Police manhunt ongoing |
The Edo State Police Command has assured the public of their commitment to apprehending those responsible and recovering the stolen funds and weapon.
