Police Neutralise Two Suspected Hoodlums in Anambra Gun Duel

By Admin

Two suspected hoodlums were killed during a gun battle between police operatives and a five-man gang of armed suspects believed to be armed robbers and cultists with links to a proscribed secessionist group. The incident occurred at Enugwu Agidi Junction in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed on Thursday that the intense exchange of gunfire, which lasted about two hours, led to the death of two members of the gang, while three others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Ikenga said items recovered from the suspects included one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, a cult red beret and a black Toyota Highlander vehicle.
According to him, the Anambra State Police Command recorded a major operational success in the early hours of January 14 as part of its sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and protect lives and property.
He explained that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, laid an ambush for the five-man gang at Enugwu Agidi Junction.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects engaged them in a fierce gun duel that lasted for about two hours, resulting in fatal gunshot injuries to two of the armed suspects, while the remaining three fled the scene with gunshot wounds,” Ikenga said.
He added that while in severe pain, one of the suspects confessed that members of the gang were among those who carried out a failed but repelled attack on the convoy of a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige.
The suspect also admitted being part of the Vikings confraternity’s strike squad on a mission to avenge the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group.
Commending the bravery of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, urged them to intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects, especially those who escaped with gunshot injuries.
Meanwhile, hospitals and other medical facilities have been advised to admit persons with gunshot wounds or related injuries but must promptly report such cases to the nearest police station.
Further developments, the police said, will be communicated as investigations continue.