A joint security operation in Anambra State has resulted in the death of six suspected secessionists following a prolonged gun battle in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The Punch reported that ine security operative was also killed during the operation, while another sustained injuries after an explosive device suspected to have been planted at the location detonated.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operation was aimed at dismantling criminal networks and violent non-state actors operating in the state.
Ikenga said the clearance operation, which took place on Saturday, was carried out by personnel of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services; 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba operatives from the community.
According to him, the security personnel acted on credible intelligence and trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before arriving at a camp believed to be occupied by an armed criminal group.
He said the suspects opened fire when they sighted the operatives, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
Ikenga stated, “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.
“The operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps. The identified camps and structures believed to be associated with the group were subsequently dismantled.
“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.
“The injured operative is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.”
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji, praised the security and community-based operatives for their courage, resilience and professionalism despite the challenging terrain and hostile conditions.
Oji described the operation as further evidence of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and community support in tackling violent criminal elements and destroying their operational bases.
The commissioner also expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and associates of the deceased operative while wishing the injured personnel a quick and complete recovery.
He assured residents that the command, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal camps, recover illegal weapons and prevent violent groups from establishing bases across the state.
The command further urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation was essential to maintaining peace and security in Anambra.
