The Anambra State Police Command has killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle along the Eziowelle Road in Idemili Local Government Area of the state.
The Punch reported that the incident occurred on Wednesday after operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, moved to the area following reports that a group of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers had been sighted along the road.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects opened fire on the police team when they arrived, resulting in a gun duel that lasted several minutes.
Ikenga said two members of the gang sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the encounter, while other suspects escaped with varying degrees of injuries.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the State.
“In the early morning of today, 19th August 2026, operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu received credible information that a group of suspected armed robbers/kidnappers had been sighted along Eziowelle Road.
“The Police operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and on sighting the Police team, the hoodlums opened fire on them, leading to a gun duel.
“During the ensuing encounter, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while other members of the gang fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“The operatives, however, recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing four live rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun and five live cartridges from the scene.”
Ikenga said the recovered weapons and ammunition had been secured as investigations continued.
He added that the command, under the leadership of CP Nnanna Oji Ama, remained committed to intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and protecting residents across the state.
“The Command has commenced further investigations and intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang. Further developments shall be communicated accordingly,” he added.
