Seven people, including six suspected members of an armed group and a security operative, have reportedly died following a gun battle between security forces and suspected gunmen at Amiyi in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The clash occurred during an intelligence-led operation by a Joint Security Team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru and Agunachamba operatives from the community.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Anambra Police Command spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the operation yesterday followed credible intelligence on the activities of an armed criminal group believed to be operating from a camp in the area.
The security personnel, drawn from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, and the other participating agencies, reportedly trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching the suspected camp.
The police said the suspects opened fire after sighting the security team, resulting in a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were killed, while other members reportedly escaped into the surrounding area. Some of the fleeing suspects were also said to have sustained gunshot injuries.
The security team recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps, while structures and other facilities believed to be associated with the group were subsequently dismantled.
However, the operation also resulted in the death of one security operative after an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated.
Another operative sustained injuries in the explosion and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the security personnel and community-based operatives involved in the operation for their courage, resilience and professionalism despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.
The commissioner described the operation as another demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in tackling violent criminal elements and destroying their operational bases.
He also expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and associates of the deceased security operative and wished the injured operative a speedy and full recovery.
Ama reassured residents that the police command, 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 anywhere in Anambra.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious activities.
The commissioner said sustained cooperation between security agencies and communities remained critical to preserving peace and security across the state.
The latest clash underscores the continuing security challenges posed by armed criminal groups operating from difficult-to-access locations, as security agencies intensify joint operations to locate and dismantle their camps.