The joint security team of the Anambra State Police Command has raided some secessionist movement hideouts in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, killing six suspected armed members of the group after a prolonged gun battle, while others fled the area with gunshot injuries.

The command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Sunday, said the operation, carried out in interior localities across the area, was aimed at dismantling criminal networks and violent non-state actors across the state.

Ikenga added that the clearance operation, conducted on Saturday, was carried out by operatives of the joint security team comprising the Nigeria Police Force from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services; 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba operatives from the community.

According to him, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before arriving at an identified camp suspected to be occupied by an armed criminal group.

He said one security operative was also killed during the gun battle, while the operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps.

He said, “On sighting the security personnel, the suspects opened fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were neutralised, while others fled the area, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.

“The operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps. The identified camps and structures believed to be associated with the group were subsequently dismantled.

“The operation, however, recorded the death of one security operative and injury to another when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated.

“The injured operative is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.”

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, commended the courage, resilience and professionalism of the security personnel and community-based operatives who participated in the operation despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.

“The CP described the successful operation as a further demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in confronting violent criminal elements and disrupting their operational bases.

“He also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen security operative, while wishing the injured operative a speedy and full recovery.

“The Commissioner reassured residents of the State that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational footholds in any part of Anambra State,” he added.

The command therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation remained critical to sustaining peace and security in the state.