At least one security operative and six gunmen were killed in Anambra State during a deadly gun battle between a joint team of security operatives and a terror group in the state.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesman in Anambra State, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
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Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the shootout occurred on Saturday at Amiyi, a community in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra.
The spokesman said the joint security team killed the six gunmen when they raided a hideout of the suspected criminals in a forest in the community.
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The joint team, he said, comprised police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu; personnel of the State Security Service; officials of the 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha; officers of the Nigerian Navy from Ogbaru; and members of the Agunaechemba Vigilante group in the community.
Mr Ikenga said, in response to a tip-off, the team trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before arriving at the suspected criminal group’s hideout.
“On sighting the security personnel, the suspects opened fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
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“At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were neutralised, while others fled the area, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries,” he said.
The spokesman said the security operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms and then dismantled the camps and structures believed to be associated with the group.
“The operation, however, recorded the death of one security operative and injury to another when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated,” he said, without providing the identity of the injured and slain operatives.
“The injured operative is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.”
Praise for the operatives
Mr Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, has commended the courage, resilience and professionalism of the joint team and vigilante operatives
Mr Ama noted that the security operatives took part in the operation despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment involved.
The commissioner described the successful operation as a further demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in confronting violent criminals and disrupting their operational bases.
The police chief also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen security operative, while wishing the injured operative a speedy and full recovery.
He reassured residents of the state that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational footholds in the state.
“The command, therefore, urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation remains critical to sustaining the peace and security of the state,” he said.
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