by Rachel Ogbu

Two policemen were killed at the International wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, last night after about 10 armed robbers stole a huge amount of foreign currencies from bureau-de-change operators, officials said.

It was at about 9pm when the robbers were said to have arrived and went to the bureau-de-change operator’s center near the car park shooting from time to time into the air.

Afterwards, policemen on duty engaged in a gunfight, which reports say led to the death of the policemen and one of the robbers described to have secured local magical bands on his arms and body.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Dati, validated the reports of a robbery attack but could not confirm the death of one of the robbers. He said the level of casualties was being determined.

“The situation has since been brought under control by the swift intervention of joint security force. They were apparently attempting to rob a bureau de change operator near the airport. Normal operations and flight have not been affected by the incident.”

As at press time, efforts to reach the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Bayo Ajileye, proved abortive.

According to reports, this was not the first time the airport had been attacked. Last year, thieves arrived the airport and stole money worth millions of dollars from BDC operators.

An eyewitness yesterday held that the robbers came into the airport through the car park.