By Florencemary Nwabueze
AWKA — Six suspected members of an armed group have been killed during a joint security operation in Amiyi, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, involved the Nigeria Police Force Rapid Response Squad, Department of State Services (DSS), 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, personnel of the Nigerian Navy and Agunachamba operatives.
According to a statement by the Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the security team acted on credible intelligence and trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching the suspected criminal camp.
The statement said the suspects opened fire on sighting the security personnel, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
It added that six members of the group were neutralised during the encounter, while others reportedly fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
Two pump-action guns and charms were recovered from the camp, which was subsequently dismantled by the security team.
However, one security operative was killed while another sustained injuries after an explosive device, suspected to have been planted in the area, detonated.
The injured operative is receiving treatment at a hospital.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the personnel involved for their courage, resilience and professionalism despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.
He described the operation as another demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in tackling violent criminal activities and dismantling their operational bases.
Oji Ama condoled with the family and colleagues of the deceased operative and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery.
The commissioner assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational bases in any part of the state.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remained critical to sustaining peace and security in Anambra State.
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