Six suspected members of an armed criminal group have been neutralised during a joint security operation in Amiyi, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, was conducted by a Joint Security Team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services (DSS); 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba community operatives.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the activities of an armed criminal group operating in the area.
The security team reportedly trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching a suspected criminal camp.
The suspects allegedly opened fire after sighting the security personnel, resulting in a prolonged gun battle.
At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the group were neutralised, while others reportedly fled the scene, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
Security operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps, which were subsequently dismantled along with other structures believed to be associated with the group.
However, the operation also recorded a casualty on the side of the security forces after an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated.
One security operative was killed in the explosion, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the personnel and community-based operatives for their courage, resilience and professionalism despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.
He described the operation as another demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in tackling violent criminal elements and dismantling their operational bases.
The commissioner also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen operative and wished the injured officer a speedy recovery.
CP Ama assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational bases across Anambra State.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to sustaining peace and security in the state.
The statement was signed by SP Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka.
