Security forces destroy suspected separatist camp, kill six in Anambra

A joint security team in Anambra State has killed six suspected armed members of a secessionist group during a raid on hideouts in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

The operation followed a prolonged gun battle, while several other suspects reportedly escaped from the area with gunshot injuries.

The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. He said the operation was carried out in remote communities in Ogbaru as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and violent non-state actors operating in the state.

According to Ikenga, the clearance operation took place on Saturday and involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force’s Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, the Department of State Services, the 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha, the Nigerian Navy in Ogbaru, and Agunachamba security operatives from the community.

He said the security team acted on credible intelligence and trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and thick palm forests before reaching a camp believed to be occupied by an armed criminal group.

The raid led to a fierce exchange of gunfire, resulting in the deaths of six suspects, while others fled the camp with injuries as the security forces continued the operation in the area.

He said one security operative was also killed during the gun battle, while the operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps.

He said, “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 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.”

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, 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.

“The Commissioner reassured residents of the State that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational footholds in any part of Anambra State,” he added.

The command therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation remained critical to sustaining peace and security in the state.

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