Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the killing of one member of a secessionist group, rescue of a victim, and the recovery of firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating items.
Spokesperson of the Police in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said Police operatives from the Operations Department of the Command, attached to a VIP in the State, on 29/11/2024 at 8:30 pm, along Agulu/Nnobi Road, neutralised one of the criminal elements in the State.
He said the operatives recovered one pump-action gun, five live cartridges, five machetes, two SUV jeeps, and two pairs of desert boots.
According to Ikenga, “the operatives resisted the armed men operating in a grey-coloured Lexus ES 330 with plate number ACA 551 MA and an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with plate number SMK 544, who had attacked their convoy without provocation.
“During the gun duel, the swift response of the Joint Security Team, comprising the Police and AVG operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, forced the armed men to abandon their vehicles and flee the scene with bullet wounds through a nearby bush.”
Meanwhile, Ikenga stated that operations have been sustained in the area to apprehend the fleeing members. He urged members of the public to assist the Command with any information regarding the incident.
In a separate development, Ikenga reported that the Joint Security Team, comprising Police operatives from the Dunukofia Division and AVG members, responded to a distress call along Ukwulu Road. They successfully rescued the abducted victims and recovered their vehicle.
“Preliminary information indicated that the armed men had abducted the victims on 27/11/2024 at 7:00 am along Ugwunwasike – Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area. The suspects shot at the abductees; upon realising they were being trailed by security operatives, abandoned them in the vehicle, and fled the scene.”
Ikenga confirmed that the Joint Security Team secured the victims and rushed them to the hospital for medical attention.
“Unfortunately, one of the victims died en route, while the others are responding to treatment. The vehicle has also been recovered. He added that the operatives have intensified operations in the area.”
