Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have killed over ten unknown gunmen and destroyed three camps harbouring the criminals in Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area of the State.
In a statement on Saturday, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga stated that the attack took place on Friday, 15th July 2022.
DSP Ikenga said the criminals had earlier captured two policemen and a civilian car tracker, who had joined the police in their operation, to recover a stolen vehicle.
The police, however, reinforced and dislodged the criminals, leading to the killing of over 10 of them, while many others escaped with bullet injuries.
“During the operation, police recovered a human skull, one locally made rocket propelled grande RPG launcher, two (RPG) bombs, one single-barrel long gun, and empty chain of the bullet.
“Other recovered items include; one Toyota Sienna, one Mercedes Benz 4matic jeep, two cylinders, a huge quantity of hard drugs and other items, including a police beret and a police belt.”
In the press release, Ikenga said: “The recovery came following a counter-offensive operation launched against criminal elements who had on 15/7/2022 laid an ambush against a 6- man police team and a civilian car tracker who were on a recovery operation of a Toyota Sienna Space Wagon.
“The vehicle was earlier snatched at gunpoint on 9/7/2022 in Oye-Agu Abagana. Four of the police operatives escaped the ambush, while two of the police operatives and the car tracker were captured by the criminals.”
Ikenga further stated that during the counter-offensive operation, police operatives neutralized over 10 of the armed men and destroyed three of their camps.
“Unfortunately, some of the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds. They (hoodlums) had murdered their captives (two policemen and a civilian) and set their bodies ablaze.
“The remains of the two murdered police officers and the civilian car-tracker have been recovered and deposited in a morgue, while police operation is still ongoing in the area to track the fleeing gang members.”
In the statement, the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Echeng Echeng condoled with the families and friends of the murdered civilians and the police operatives, describing the incident as a classic example of the risk and sacrifices the police are exposed to in the onerous task of serving and protecting the country.
Echeng also assured the Anambra people that efforts are being intensified towards total reclamation and domination of all the public spaces occupied by hoodlums in the state by apprehending and bringing them and their accomplices to justice.
