Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers During Gun Duel in Anambral, Others Flee With Gunshot Wounds

By Praise Chinecherem

Two suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang have been killed in a gun battle with operatives of the Anambra State Police Command at Eziowelle in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19, 2026, after police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, received credible intelligence about the activities of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers operating along Eziowelle Road.

The command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspects opened fire after sighting the police team, triggering an exchange of gunfire.

Ikenga said two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the encounter, while other members of the gang escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

According to him, the operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing four live rounds of ammunition, a pump-action gun and five live cartridges from the scene.

Ikenga said, “Anambra State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the State.

“In the early morning of today, 19th August 2026, operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu received credible information that a group of suspected armed robbers/kidnappers had been sighted along Eziowelle Road.

“The Police operatives swiftly mobilized to the area and on sighting the Police team, the hoodlums opened fire on them, leading to a gun duel.”

He added that the police recovered the firearms and ammunition after the encounter, while efforts were immediately intensified to track down the fleeing suspects.

The police spokesperson further quoted the command as saying, “The Anambra State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, remains resolute in its determination to sustain intelligence-led and proactive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the State.”

Ikenga said the command had commenced further investigations and intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

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