Joint Security Operation Dismantles Criminal Camp in Ogbaru, Six Suspects Neutralised
By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing intelligence-driven operations against criminal networks and violent non-state actors in the state, following a joint security operation at Amiyi in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of August 22, involved personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services (DSS); 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and community-based Agunachamba operatives.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the team acted on credible intelligence and trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching a camp suspected to be occupied by an armed criminal group. According to him, the suspects opened fire after sighting the security team, resulting in a prolonged gun battle. At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the group were neutralised, while others escaped, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
The security personnel recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps, while the identified camps and structures believed to have been used by the group were subsequently dismantled. The operation, however, suffered a casualty when an explosive device suspected to have been planted within the area detonated, killing one security operative and injuring another. The injured operative is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, praised the courage, resilience and professionalism displayed by the security personnel and community operatives involved in the operation. The commissioner said the outcome further demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and community support in tackling violent criminal groups and destroying their operational bases.
CP Oji Ama also condoled with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen operative and prayed for the quick and complete recovery of the injured personnel. He assured residents that the police command, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would continue intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal camps, recover illegal firearms and prevent violent groups from establishing bases anywhere in Anambra State.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that sustained community cooperation remains vital to maintaining peace and security across the state.
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