By Florencemary Nwabueze
In a significant operational breakthrough against criminal networks in Anambra State, the Nigeria Police Force's Rapid Response Squad, the Department of State Services-DSS, the 302 Artillery Regiment from Onitsha, Nigerian Navy personnel, and the Agunachamba operatives, have neutralized six suspected members of an armed group during a joint operation in Amiyi, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, in the early hours of Saturday.
According to Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the joint team acted on credible intelligence and trekked for approximately four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest to reach the suspected criminal camp.
Upon sighting the security personnel, the suspects opened fire, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire. The confrontation resulted in the neutralization of six of the armed group members, while others reportedly fled the area with gunshot injuries.
Security operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps, which were subsequently dismantled.
However, one security operative lost his life, and another sustained injuries when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated. The injured operative is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital.
Reacting to the development, the Anambra state commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the courage, resilience, and professionalism of the personnel involved, despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.
He described the successful operation as further demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and community support in confronting violent criminal elements and disrupting their operational bases.
He expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen operative while wishing the injured operative a speedy recovery.
He further reassured residents of the state that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms, and preventing violent groups from establishing operational footholds in any part of Anambra State.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining peace and security in the state.