By Sunny A. David, Awka
Six suspected members of an armed criminal group have been killed during a joint security operation in Amiyi community, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
One security operative also lost his life, while another sustained injuries after an explosive device reportedly detonated during the operation.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, followed intelligence reports on the activities of suspected armed criminals operating in the area.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the operation involved personnel of the Police Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army’s 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; the Nigerian Navy in Ogbaru; and operatives of the community-based Agụnechemba security outfit.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the security team trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forests before reaching camps believed to be occupied by the suspected criminals.
He said the suspects opened fire on the operatives, resulting in a prolonged gun battle.
At the end of the encounter, six suspected gunmen were neutralised, while others reportedly fled into the surrounding forest. Some of the fleeing suspects were also believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
The Police said two pump-action guns and charms were recovered from the camps, while the structures and other facilities allegedly used by the criminal group were dismantled.
However, the operation recorded a casualty on the side of the security forces when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated.
One operative was killed in the blast, while another sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the participating security agencies and community security operatives for their courage and determination despite the difficult terrain and hostile conditions.
CP Ama also expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the slain operative and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery.
The Commissioner, according to the Police, stressed that the successful operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration among security agencies and the role of communities in providing credible intelligence in the fight against criminal activities.
He assured residents that security agencies would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across the state to dismantle criminal networks, destroy their camps and prevent armed groups from establishing operational bases in Anambra.
The Police Command further urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in maintaining peace and security across the state.
