Hours after gunmen stormed a village market in Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State to enforce the monthly sit-at-home order, security operatives have smashed a camp belonging to the hoodlums.
Security operatives also recovered five vehicles believed to have been snatched by the gang during their operations.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, explained that the gunmen escaped with bullet wounds when officers and men of the Joint Task Force stormed their hideout.
According to a statement signed by the PPRO, the security operatives acted on classified information about the hideout.
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“The Anambra State Joint Security Force has bursted an insurgents’ camp in Achalla, headquarters of Awka North LGA of Anambra State,” he said.
Ikenga said the operation, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, took the insurgents by surprise as they fled with gunshot wounds.
He stated that the hoodlums disrupted trading at Achalla Market on Monday by ordering traders to sit at home.
“This drew the attention of the security apparatus in the state which made the state police command to decide on giving them a taste of their own medicine in the early hours of Monday, 19th February, 2024.
“The operation which was hugely successful led to the recovery of five exotic vehicles previously snatched at gunpoint.
“Also recovered were over 300 rounds of Machine Gun Ammunition and 34 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for Ak-47 Rifle. All operatives from various services have returned safely to their base,” he said.
He said the Commissioner of Police had directed owners of the recovered vehicles to come forward with proof of ownership to claim their vehicles.
According to him, manhunt for the fleeing insurgents will be extended to hospitals and clinics with a view to ensuring they are brought to justice.
