Police operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, Anambra State Police Command, recorded another major breakthrough in the early hours of January 14, 2026, as they neutralised two members of a suspected gang of armed robbers/cultists and also linked to a proscribed secessionist group.
The operatives, according to the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, had laid an ambush for a five-man group of the armed hoodlums at Enugwu Agidi Junction, Dunukofia Local Government Area, while acting on credible and actionable intelligence.
The PPRO said that the suspects engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for two hours when they sighted the operatives, resulting in the two fatalities on the side of the armed suspects.
The remaining three reportedly fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Recovered from them were a T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, a red beret and a black Toyota Highlander SUV.
While in the throes of death, one of the injured suspects had confessed the gang members as being part of those who launched an unsuccessful but repelled attack by the police operatives on the convoy of the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, as well as the striking squad of Vikings confraternity on a mission to retaliate the death of one of their members by another rival cult group.
The Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD while commending the gallantry of the operatives charged them to intensify efforts to arrest other gang members, particularly those who fled with gunshot injuries during the encounter.
Meanwhile, Hospital or related medical facilities are advised to admit anyone with gunshot wounds or related injuries, but must endeavor to report such to the nearest Police Station immediately.
