25th July, 2022
Security operatives killed two gunmen, recovered four pump action rifles, four motorcycles and a cutlass in different operations in Onitsha/Owerri expressway and Okija town, Anambra State on Saturday.
The operations were conducted by police and military personnel, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command said in a statement on Sunday.
Giving details of the operation, Tochukwu said, “Anambra State Security Forces comprising of the Military and Police, neutralized two gunmen, recovered four automatic pump action, one cutlass, one ash color Lexus jeep 350 with reg. nos KJA- 666HE, one white Toyota hilux jeep without reg nos., one white Toyota Corolla with reg. nos. HAL- 732RF, one Highlander jeep, four motorcycles without reg. nos.
The recovery followed a distress call at about 9:30am on 23/7/2022 along Onitsha/Owerri expressway, junction leading to Okija Nkwo Market, where some hoodlums, blocked the road and were robbing/extorting motorist. The Joint Forces responded swiftly engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel neutralized one of the armed men while others escaped the scene with bullet wounds.
“In another development, Police Operatives at about 3:30pm on same date while on clearance operation sighted, another criminal gang at Nkwo Market Okija, harassing sellers/buyers and residents in the area.
“The Operatives engaged the armed men in a gun duel. One of the suspects was neutralized and two automatic pump action and one marchet recovered while others fled the scene. No casualty on part of the Operatives and the situation has been brought under control.
“Meanwhile, Operation is still ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing gang members.
“The Commissioner Of Police CP Echeng Echeng, while charging the Operatives to sustain the tempo against onslaught on criminal elements, ordered patrols be intensified and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls in the State”