By Izunna Okafor, Awka
In continuation of the ongoing offensive against criminal elements in Anambra State, a joint security team in the state, led by the police, has dislodged a notorious criminal camp in Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area, after an intense gun battle that lasted for about six-hour gun inside the bush.
The daring operation, which took place over the weekend, involved a coordinated effort by the Police, Army from the 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), Navy from the Naval Command, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), acting on credible intelligence gathered over time.
According to a statement released to newsmen on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the security operatives encountered stiff resistance from the armed criminals, who had fortified their hideout with explosives used as defensive shields.
He, however, disclosed that the superior firepower and tactical precision of the joint team neutralized the explosives and forced the criminals to flee into the bush with varying degrees of bullet injuries.
According to him, a thorough sweep and combing of the area led to the recovery of a cache of items, including cooking pots, assorted foodstuffs, and several parts of what are suspected to be dismembered stolen vehicles — which all suggest that the camp also served as a logistics base for prolonged criminal activity, possibly including kidnappings, robberies, and vehicle theft.
He added that the operatives had since taken over the area to ensure continued security surveillance, prevent regrouping of the criminal elements, and possibly effect the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
The Police Spokesman further reiterated the resolve of the security agencies not to relent in their efforts to rid the state of all forms of criminality. He reassured residents that the confidence reposed in the security architecture of the state for the protection of lives and properties will be fully justified.
SP Ikenga further emphasized that unrepentant criminals would continue to face the heat of ongoing security operations, as the joint security force remains committed to denying them any safe haven within any part of Anambra State.
