Gunmen who attacked Soludo’s aide killed in Anambra

Operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, in collaboration with the police, have killed three suspected members of an armed gang during a raid on a criminal hideout in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, which took place on Tuesday night, also led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, including a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles, a white Hilux van allegedly used by the gang, as well as charms, handbags and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

Agunechemba’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Nweke Nweke, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the gang had been linked to several violent crimes across Anambra South Senatorial District and neighbouring areas.

According to him, intelligence reports connected members of the group to the recent attack on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Ben Nwankwo.

The convoy was ambushed on June 2 along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of four persons, including two police officers and two civilians.

Nweke said the latest operation followed extensive intelligence gathering that enabled security operatives to trace the suspects to the Isuofia-Igboukwu axis of Aguata, where they were reportedly carrying out criminal activities.

He explained that the suspects attempted to escape upon sighting the operatives, prompting a pursuit during which security personnel sealed off possible escape routes within the area.

“The suspects opened fire while trying to evade arrest, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Three members of the gang were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

He added that no casualty was recorded among the security personnel involved in the operation.

The statement further alleged that the gang had been disguising themselves in uniforms resembling those of federal security agencies to perpetrate crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent offences.

Reacting to the operation, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Prince Ken Emekayi; Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security, Sylvester Ofodeme; and Agunechemba’s Head of Operations, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, described the raid as a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against violent crime.

They commended the joint efforts of Agunechemba operatives and the police, expressing optimism that the operation would further strengthen security and deter criminal activities across the state.

Security authorities said investigations are ongoing to apprehend members of the gang who escaped during the encounter.