Security forces dismantle notorious ‘unknown gunmen’ camp after 6 hours gun battle

A coordinated raid by the Anambra State Police Command and a Joint Security Task Force (JTF) has resulted in the dismantling of a notorious criminal hideout in Ogbunka, located in Orumba South Local Government Area.

The operation, which took place on Thursday and targeted notorious criminals often referred to as unknown gunmen, was confirmed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued Saturday.

According to Ikenga, the security operation was carried out by a combined team consisting of personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Department of State Services, and the Anambra State Vigilante.

“The security operatives were acting on information received over time and dislodged a criminal Camp at Ogbunka,” he said.

He revealed that the team engaged the armed suspects in a six-hour gunfight. Despite the intense resistance, the security personnel were able to overpower the criminals.

“The JTF were in a six (6) hours gun battle with the armed criminals, but due to its superior firepower, diffused some explosives used as shields on the camp by the hoodlums,” Ikenga explained.

He added that various items were recovered from the site, including cooking utensils, food supplies, and vehicle parts believed to have been stolen.

Although several suspects managed to flee, they are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

The statement said the area is now under the control of the JTF, which is working to maintain security and track down the fleeing individuals, even as the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reassured residents of the state’s unwavering commitment to public safety.

Ikenga relayed Orutugu’s message: “The security agencies will not in anyway compromise the confidence reposed in them.”

The commissioner also urged citizens to support ongoing crime-fighting efforts by sharing useful intelligence with law enforcement.