Four Killed as Security Forces, Hoodlums Clash in Anambra

Security operatives in Anambra State have neutralised four armed hoodlums following a prolonged shootout at a criminal hideout in the state.

Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed in a statement on Friday that the raid took place on 21 August at a camp located in Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area.

Ikenga explained that the operation, which lasted over 15 hours, was jointly carried out by officers of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, and the Agunechemba Vigilante Group.

He said the suspects, identified as members of a separatist group, engaged the team in fierce gunfire before being overpowered. A kidnapped victim held at the camp was also rescued during the raid.

According to the police, the victim’s family had earlier paid N20 million in ransom, yet the hoodlums refused to release him.

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Recovered items from the camp included several arms and ammunition, two empty gas cylinders, rolls of cable wires, three 50kg bags of rice, a black Lexus RX 350 SUV, four Toyota Camry cars, mobile phones, sleeping materials, desert boots, a big cooler, and tarpaulin.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, assured residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property. He added that ongoing operations aim to dismantle other criminal camps and apprehend fleeing suspects.

Anambra, like other South-east states, has in recent years witnessed worsening insecurity, with repeated attacks on security personnel, government officials, and facilities.

While the Nigerian government blames the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for such violence, the separatist group has consistently denied involvement, insisting its agitation for Biafra remains peaceful.