Police neutralize suspected gunman in Anambra, recover weapons

By Oguine Daniel

The Anambra State Police Command announced the neutralization of a suspected gunman during a late-night gunfight with criminals in the Igbo Ukwu/Ezinifite Uga area of Aguata Local Government Area.

In a statement on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the police encountered the armed group around 11:30 pm on Sunday while conducting a routine patrol.

The criminals engaged the officers in a shootout, but the police managed to kill one of the suspects while the others escaped.

“On the 29th of September, 2024, at around 11:30 pm, a police-led security team on patrol in Aguata LGA received intelligence about armed men spotted in a black Prado Jeep along the Igbo Ukwu/Ezinifite Uga axis. Our operatives took an offensive approach and, during a gun battle, neutralized one of the assailants, while the others fled,” Ikenga stated.

He further disclosed that the police recovered several items, including AK-47 rifles, body armor, and charms, as part of the operation. A follow-up clearance operation is ongoing in the area to apprehend the remaining suspects.

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Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, two magazines loaded with live rounds, 15 live cartridges, a black Prado Jeep with two different plate numbers, police-issued body armor, three face caps, a black handbag, and various criminal charms.

“Clearance operations are still underway, and more information will be provided as developments unfold,” Ikenga added.

This incident follows a recent attack on September 7 in the Idemili South Local Government Area, where unidentified gunmen launched an assault on the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters and the Oba Civic Centre. The Regent of the Oba community, Noel Ezenwa, and local residents condemned the attacks.