By Isaac Ojo
The Anambra State Police Command led Joint Security Team has on Saturday sustained its intelligence-led and joint security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and violent non-state actors across the State neutralized six members of an armed group.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command revealed this in a press statement made available to journalists on Sunday.
The PPRO said the operation was carried out by a Joint Security Team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services (DSS); 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba operatives at Amiyi, Ogbaru LGA of the State.
He noted that the team acting on credible intelligence, trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before arriving at an identified camp suspected to be occupied by an armed criminal group.
“On sighting the security personnel, the suspects opened fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were neutralized, 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.” Ikenga said.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama(CP) has commended the courage, resilience and professionalism of the security personnel and community-based operatives who participated in the operation despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.
The CP described the successful operation as a further demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in confronting violent criminal elements and disrupting their operational bases.
He also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen security operative, while wishing the injured operative a speedy and full recovery.
