Police Neutralise Four Suspected Gunmen, Recover Weapons and IEDs in Anambra Operation
By Chizoba Njaka
Security operatives attached to a Police-led Joint Security Patrol Team have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against criminality following an armed confrontation with suspected secessionist gunmen along the Ogboji–Ajalli Road in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation, which took place on the evening of June 23, was carried out after security agencies received credible intelligence regarding the movement of heavily armed suspects travelling in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle bearing Lagos registration number KJA 919 KH.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the joint security team intercepted the suspects, leading to a fierce gun battle during which four members of the gang were neutralised. Several other suspects reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the suspects and their vehicle included one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) loaded with 53 linked rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, 29 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and four undetonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Security operatives also recovered police camouflage uniforms and accessories, two live cartridges, assorted charms, ten Android phones, two feature phones, a laptop computer, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, and two power banks.
In addition, a white Toyota Sienna bus believed to have been used by the suspects, several ATM cards, a National Identity Card, and a driver's licence belonging to identified individuals were recovered during the operation.
The Police Command stated that the operation was part of ongoing visibility and confidence-building patrols initiated in response to intelligence reports on the activities of armed criminal groups in the area.
Meanwhile, joint security forces have intensified search and combing operations within the surrounding communities and forests to track down fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons and other incriminating materials.