Gun Duel in Anambra: 6 Suspected Criminals, Security Operative Killed in Ogbaru

By Praise Chinecherem

Six suspected members of an armed criminal group and a security operative were killed during a prolonged gun battle between security forces and suspected criminals in Amiyi, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The deadly encounter occurred after the suspects allegedly opened fire on a joint security team that had trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest to reach a suspected criminal camp.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development on Sunday, saying several other suspects escaped from the scene, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.

According to Ikenga, the security team came under attack immediately after the suspects sighted the operatives, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

He said the operation was conducted by a Joint Security Team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; the Department of State Services (DSS); 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba operatives from the community.

Ikenga said, “Acting on credible intelligence, the team trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before arriving at an identified camp suspected to be occupied by an armed criminal group.

“On sighting the security personnel, the suspects opened fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were neutralized, while others fled the area, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.”

He added that two pump-action guns and charms were recovered during the operation, while the identified camps and structures believed to be associated with the group were subsequently dismantled.

However, the operation suffered a major setback when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated, killing one security operative and injuring another.

“The operation, however, recorded the death of one security operative and injury to another when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated. The injured operative is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital,” Ikenga said.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the security personnel and community-based operatives for their courage, resilience and professionalism during the operation despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.

He described the operation as a demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in tackling violent criminal elements and disrupting their operational bases.

The commissioner also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen operative while wishing the injured personnel a speedy and full recovery.

He reassured residents that the police, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational footholds across Anambra State.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to maintaining peace and security in the state.

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