By Izunna Okafor, Awka
At least person has been arrested in Awka, the Anambra State capital, after an exchange of gunfire between security operatives and a criminal suspect, just as the annual Imo-Awka cultural festival kicked off in the city.
Confirming the development in a statement issued to newsmen, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident occurred in the late evening of Monday, May 19, 2025, during a targeted operation by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Anambra State Police Command aimed at dislodging criminal elements suspected to be using the cover of the festival to perpetrate crimes and disrupt public peace.
According to him, acting on credible intelligence and information received over time, the operatives raided identified black spots across Awka and its environs, where miscreants were believed to have been causing unrest under the guise of celebrating the Imo-Awka Festival.
He said during the operation, one of the suspects, identified as Nasiru Samaila (aged 25), attempted to flee and opened fire indiscriminately in a desperate bid to escape arrest. The Police, however, engaged and subdued him with a strategic shot to his right leg, leading to his downfall and arrest.
SP Ikenga, however, disclosed that in the process of the gunfire exchange, one police operative sustained a gunshot injury but has been rushed to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
The Police Spokesman further disclosed that one locally made Beretta pistol, a live ammunition, a knife, and a large quantity of substances suspected to be hard drugs were recovered from the arrested suspect.
He said the raid was part of the ongoing efforts by the Anambra State Police Command to ensure a crime-free and peaceful celebration of the Imoka Festival, and to protect lives and properties of both residents and visitors in the State.
SP Ikenga further noted that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to public safety and will not allow miscreants to use traditional or cultural events as a cover to perpetrate criminality or disturb public peace.
He assured that further updates would be communicated in due course as investigations continue, while more surveillance operations are being carried out to sanitize the city and its surrounding areas during the period of the festivities.
