From Isaac Ojo
Operatives of the Police-led Joint Security Force from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata, has on Saturday engaged a group of suspected hoodlums in a gun duel while on a night visibility patrol around Amaokpala, in Aguata LGA of Anambra State.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP) revealed this in a press statement made available to journalists on Sunday.
Ikenga said, “During the operation, the operatives successfully rescued a 26 year old female kidnap victim, neutralized one of the armed criminals, and recovered the following items: One pump-action gun, eleven live cartridges, one ash-coloured Toyota Camry Sedan with Reg. No: Lagos-EPE-208-FK, One Police belt.
“Also recovered is one carton of Chelsea sachet alcoholic drink, One Zenith Bank ATM card, One axe, One small Tecno mobile phone, One packet of cigarettes, Assorted charms and a Cash sum of Two thousand, seven hundred Naira.”
The PPRO said that the hoodlums allegedly opened fire upon sighting the patrol team.
“The operatives tactically returned fire, leading to a gun duel that lasted approximately forty minutes. One suspect was fatally wounded and later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, where the body was deposited in the morgue for preservation.
“Meanwhile, the rescued victim has since been debriefed and provided with necessary medical attention, ahead of a safe reunion with her family.
In another development, operatives of the command have recovered one AK-47 riffle hidden in a roof at Ihuowele Ngo Village, Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata LGA of the State.
The PPRO said that preliminary investigation has revealed that a certain man known as Samson, allegedly identified as a notorious individual and the former occupant of the apartment, may be connected to the weapon.
He said Samson has not been seen in the area since June 2024, and efforts are currently ongoing to track and apprehend him.”
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu(CP) has commended the bravery of security team which led to rescue of abducted woman.
He also applauded the vigilance of the community members which led to the recovery of the gun in a roof at Ihuowele Ngo Village at Igbo-Ukwu even as he
reiterated the importance of Community-Police collaboration.
