Police kill suspected gunman in Anambra, recover arms

The Anambra State Police Command says it has neutralised a suspected gunman during a gun battle with miscreants in the Igbo Ukwu/ Ezinifite Uga area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement released on Monday, disclosed that the police encountered the armed men at about 11:30 pm on Sunday during a routine patrol of the area.

According to Ikenga, the men engaged in a gun duel with the police but were unlucky as the police killed one while others fled the scene.

He said, “On 29/9/2024 by 11:30 pm, the police-led security force, while on patrol within the Aguata LGA, got information of suspected armed men sighted in a black-coloured Prado Jeep along the Igbo Ukwu/Ezinifite Uga axis.

“The operatives, on an offensive approach to the scene, engaged the armed men in a gun battle and demobilised one of the miscreants while others escaped.”

Ikenga added that exhibits such as AK 57 rifles, armoured vests and criminal charms, among others, were recovered, adding that a clearance operation had commenced in the area.

“Also, the security forces recovered two AK 47 rifles, one pump action gun, two magazines loaded with live ammunition, 15 live cartridges, one black Prado jeep with two different plate numbers, two police body armoured vests, three face caps, one black handbag and different types of criminal charms.

“Meanwhile, clearance operations are still ongoing, further details shall be communicated,” the statement read.

On September 7, the Regent of Oba community in Idemili South LG of the state, Noel Ezenwa, and residents have condemned the attack on the Oba Police Divisional headquarters and the Oba Civic Centre.

Recalled that some yet-to-be-identified gunmen, in large numbers, attacked the Oba Police Divisional headquarters and also the Oba Civic Centre, killing a police corporal and injuring others.