A joint security operation involving operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, and the police has resulted in the death of three suspected armed criminals and the recovery of weapons and other items in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday night by Agunechemba personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Aguata, was said to have targeted a gang allegedly responsible for a series of violent crimes across parts of the state.
Items recovered during the raid included a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles, other weapons, a white Hilux vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects, charms and several personal belongings.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Media and Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, Mr. Nweke Nweke, said the operation was based on intelligence reports that led security operatives to the gang’s hideout in the Isuofia-Igboukwu area.
According to him, the suspects attempted to flee when they noticed the approaching security team, prompting a pursuit by operatives who reportedly blocked possible escape routes within the locality.
He said the gang opened fire on the operatives, leading to an exchange of gunfire during which three suspects were killed, while others escaped with injuries.
Nweke alleged that members of the group had previously carried out attacks while dressed in uniforms resembling those of federal security agencies.
He further claimed that the gang was linked to the attack on the convoy of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Ben Nwankwo, which occurred earlier this month.
The June 2 attack took place along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area and left four people dead, including two police officers attached to the convoy and two civilians.
The Agunechemba spokesman said preliminary intelligence indicated that the gang had been involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in Anambra South Senatorial District and surrounding areas.
He noted that no member of the security team was injured during the operation.
Officials of the state government and security agencies described the raid as a major success in ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and restore public confidence in security across Anambra.
Among those who commended the operation were the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Prince Ken Emekayi; Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Sylvester Ofodeme; and Agunechemba Head of Operations, Chief Chinenye Ihenko.
They said the successful operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and collaboration among security agencies in tackling criminal networks operating in the state.
Authorities said efforts are continuing to track down and arrest other members of the gang who escaped during the encounter.
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