Police, hoodlums in 15-hr gun duel as four killed

He listed the recovered exhibits to include: two pump-action guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, one K2 assault rifle, one locally made hunter gun, one radio transmission box, and three locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

“Others are two empty gas cylinders, two wraps of cable wires, three bags of 50 kg rice, one driver’s license, one National Identity Card, one black Lexus RX 350 Jeep with Reg. No. ACA 340 MA, 3 (Three) Toyota Camry cars with Reg. Nos: ABC 268 FQ, EKY 151 CD and FGG 706 ME.

“Also recovered are: One black Toyota Camry car, five mobile phones (Infinix X6716B, Tecno Spark KL4 and three analogue phones, sleeping materials, one desert boot, one big cooler, and a roll of tarpaulin.”

Ikenga added, “In a sustained effort to rid Anambra State of criminal elements, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu in collaboration with the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) Agunechemba, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a Secessionist/Terrorist camp at Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State in the early hours of 21st August 2025.

“During the well-coordinated operation that lasted for more than 15 hours, the operatives successfully dislodged the insurgents, rescued a victim who had earlier been kidnapped and held hostage in the camp.

“It was reported that despite the payment of a ransom of ₦20m only by the victim’s family, the hoodlums aborted his release until he was eventually freed by the Joint Security Team.

“In the fierce gun battle that ensued, four of the criminal elements were neutralised.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, assured Ndi Anambra that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring safety and security.

“He also assured that extensive operations are ongoing in the area to track down and arrest other fleeing suspects as well as destroy other criminal camps in the State.”