By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

One security operative has lost his life during a joint security operation that left six suspected members of an armed criminal group dead in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

A statement issued to journalists on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation took place in the early hours of Saturday at the Amiyi community, following intelligence reports about the activities of an armed group in the area.

According to him, the operation was jointly carried out by personnel of the Police Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army’s 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel in Ogbaru; and operatives of the community-based Agunechemba security outfit.

The Police spokesman explained that the security operatives had to trek for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forests before arriving at camps believed to be occupied by the suspected armed group.

He added: "The suspects opened fire upon sighting the joint security team, leading to a prolonged gun battle between both sides.

“At the end of the encounter, six members of the armed group were neutralised, while others reportedly escaped from the area, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.”

He further disclosed that two pump-action guns and charms were recovered from the camps, while the structures and other facilities believed to have been used by the criminal group were dismantled.

Ikenga however stressed that the operation was not without casualties on the side of the security personnel, noting that one operative was killed and another injured after an explosive device suspected to have been planted within the area detonated.

He said that the Injured operative has since been taken to hospital and is receiving medical attention.

In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the participating security agencies and community operatives for their courage and resilience in carrying out the operation despite the challenging terrain and hostile conditions.

While condoling with the family and colleagues of the slain security operative, the CP expressed hope for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel.

He further underscored the importance of collaboration among security agencies and the role of communities in providing useful intelligence in the fight against criminal elements.

Ama further reassured residents that the Police and other security agencies would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across the State to disrupt criminal networks, destroy their camps and prevent armed groups from establishing operational bases in any part of Anambra.

The Command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue to volunteer credible information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing efforts to keep the state safe.