One operative, six suspected secessionists killed in Anambra gun battle

A joint security team in Anambra State has raided suspected secessionist hideouts in Ogbaru Local Government Area, killing six suspected members of the group during a prolonged gun battle.

One security operative was also killed in the operation, while another sustained injuries after an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operation was part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and violent non-state actors operating in the state.

Ikenga said the clearance operation, conducted on Saturday, involved operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services; 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba operatives from the community.

According to him, the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching an identified camp suspected to be occupied by an armed criminal group.

He said the suspects opened fire upon sighting the security personnel, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

Ikenga stated, “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.”

The police spokesman said 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.

He quoted the CP as describing the 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.

Oji also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the slain security operative while wishing the injured operative a speedy and full recovery.

The commissioner reassured residents that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would 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 the state.

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