The joint operatives led by the Anambra State Police Command have neutralised six members of an armed group in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
This achievement was made possible through sustained intelligence-led and joint security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and violent non-state actors across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, SP Toochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this information to newsmen in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday.
He reported that the command achieved a significant operational breakthrough in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Amiyi, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
According to him, the operation involved a Joint Security Team comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force’s Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, the Department of State Services (DSS), the 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha, Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru, and Agunachamba operatives from the community.
Ikenga stated that, “Acting on credible intelligence, the team 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.
He explained that 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,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, 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.
CP Ama 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.
The Command therefore urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation remains critical to sustaining the peace and security of the State.