Police in Kampala Metropolitan have arrested a suspected robber accused of targeting bank customers shortly after withdrawing large sums of money.The suspect, identified as Wagaba Hussen, 27, a resident of Kayunga in Wakiso District, was arrested on March 6 following an attempted robbery in Najjera.

According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the victim, Nakawone Deborah, 27, had withdrawn Shs21 million from a bank in Ntinda before hiring a boda boda rider to take her home in Buwaate.Police said the robbery attempt occurred shortly after the victim reached Najjera, a few metres from the local police station near the Stabex fuel station.

Preliminary investigations indicate that another motorcycle carrying two suspects approached the victim at high speed. One of the suspects, who was riding as a passenger, reportedly grabbed her bag containing the cash.

However, the victim immediately raised an alarm, attracting the attention of nearby police officers who quickly responded and pursued the suspects.

Police managed to arrest the suspect who grabbed the bag and successfully recovered the entire Shs21 million. His accomplice, who was riding the motorcycle, managed to escape amid heavy traffic.Owoyesigyire said officers avoided engaging in a risky chase that could endanger other road users.

The suspect is currently being held at Najjera Police Station as investigations continue.Police have since launched a manhunt for the second suspect who remains at large.

Security agencies have repeatedly warned members of the public, especially bank customers withdrawing large amounts of cash, to exercise caution and consider using secure transport arrangements to avoid being targeted by criminals.

Police say similar robbery attempts involving motorcycles have been reported in several parts of the Kampala Metropolitan Area, with criminals often trailing bank customers from financial institutions.