LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Security agencies in Anambra state, South-east Nigeria, have said they killed seven gunmen, among which are suspected Indigenious People of Biafra (IPOB) members, during separate operations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Echeng Echeng, disclosed this on 10 April, during a press conference in Awka, the state capital.
Mr Echeng said the five suspected IPOB members were killed when joint security operatives accosted them in Akwaihedi, a community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.
The said community in Anambra State, shares boundaries with communities in Imo, another state in the South-east.
Mr. Echeng said the hoodlums were heading to Anambra State on a motorcycle for a planned attack before the operatives intercepted them.
“The operatives engaged the assailants (and) neutralised five of the gang members,” he said.
Two rocket launchers, four AK-47 rifles, one automatic pump action, four magazines, eight live ammunition, police berets and charms were among the items recovered from the gunmen, according to the Police.
The commissioner said in a separate operation on the same day, police operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Unit, Awkuzu, also killed the two suspected kidnappers while attempting to rescue two kidnap victims in the suspects’ hideout in Ifite, Ogbunike, a community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He further revealed that the operatives stormed the suspects’ hideout following a tip-off about their criminal activities in the area.
A black Lexus SUV and several security camouflages comprising police and military uniforms were the items recovered from the suspects, the police said.
Mr Echeng said the corperation among various security agencies, including the police, military and vigilante operatives, has helped “immensely” in the fight against hoodlums in the state.
“For us today, this is a big positive one that happened to avert a major planned attack in the state,” he said.
The Police Commissioner urged residents of the state to continue to support the security agencies and the state government in their efforts to provide security in the state.
