Joint Security Team Neutralises Armed Separatists, Recovers Machine Gun, IEDs in Anambra
A Police-led Joint Security Patrol Team has recorded a major operational breakthrough in Anambra State after neutralising four suspected members of an armed separatist group and recovering a cache of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other operational items during a gun battle in Orumba South Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place on the evening of June 23, was carried out by the Aguata Sector Joint Security Patrol Team along the Ogboji–Ajalli Road, following intelligence reports on the movement of heavily armed suspects believed to be operating within the area.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the security operatives encountered the suspects during a visibility and confidence-building patrol and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The confrontation resulted in the neutralisation of four suspected gang members, while other members of the group reportedly escaped into nearby bushes with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Security operatives recovered a substantial cache of arms and operational equipment from the scene, including a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with 53 rounds of linked live ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
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Also recovered were four undetonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs), police camouflage uniforms and accessories, a white Toyota Sienna bus with Lagos registration number KJA 919 KH, ten Android phones, two feature phones, a laptop computer, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, two power banks, assorted charms, two live cartridges, ATM cards, a National Identification Card and a driver’s licence belonging to identified individuals.
Police authorities said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were members of a secessionist armed gang allegedly involved in criminal activities within the state.
The recovery of IEDs and police camouflage uniforms has further heightened concerns over the tactics employed by criminal groups seeking to impersonate security personnel and carry out attacks on unsuspecting members of the public.
Following the operation, the Joint Security Team launched extensive combing and search operations across surrounding forests and communities to track down the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons and operational assets.
The Anambra State Police Command described the operation as a significant blow to criminal elements operating in the state and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven security operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command remains resolute in its determination to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of residents across the state.
He noted that ongoing operations would continue to target armed gangs, violent criminals and other threats to public safety, while urging members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The latest operation is part of intensified efforts by security forces to curb violent crimes and maintain peace and security across Anambra State.
By PRNigeria
