Joint security operatives operating in Anambra state, on Saturday, July 23, killed two gunmen in separate operations in Okija, Ihiala local government area of the state.
There had been news of gunshots in the early hours of Saturday, as criminals operated at Okija junction, robbing passengers along the Onitsha-Owerri expressway.
They were, however, countered by the joint operatives of the police and the Nigerian Army, who confronted the criminals after a tip off.
The police public relations officer (PPRO) in Anambra state, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, while confirming the confrontation in a statement on Sunday, July 24, said four automatic pump actions, four vehicles, four motorcycles, and other items were recovered from the gunmen, adding that police operatives in the state had intensified and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls, The Punch reports.
Ikenga said, “Anambra state security forces comprising of the military and police, neutralised two gunmen, recovered four automatic pump action, one cutlass, one ash colour Lexus jeep 350 with registration numbers KJA-666HE, one white unregistered Toyota Hilux Jeep, one white Toyota Corolla with registration numbers HAL-732RF, one sliver Highlander jeep without registration number and, four motorcycles without registration numbers.
“The recovery followed a distress call at about 9:30 am on 23/7/2023, along Onitsha/Owerri expressway junction leading to Okija Nkwo market, where some gunmen blocked the road and were robbing and extorting motorists.
“The joint forces responded swiftly and engaged the gunmen in a gun duel, and neutralised one of the them while others escaped the scene with bullet wounds,” he added.
Ikenga further noted that, “In another development, police operatives at about 3:30 pm on the same date while on clearance operation, sighted another criminal gang at Nkwo market, Okija, harassing sellers, buyers and residents in the area.
“The operatives engaged the armed men in a gun duel. One of the gunmen was killed, and two automatic pump action and one machete was recovered, while others fled the scene.
“There was no casualty on part of the operatives, and the situation has been brought under control. Meanwhile, operation is still ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing gang members,” the police spokesperson added.
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