Anambra State Police Command agents shot, killed unidentified robbery gang

Anambra State Police Command agents shot and killed an unidentified member of a four-person robbery gang.

The suspect was shot dead after he attempted to shoot police officers at a checkpoint with a pistol.

The incident occurred on Sunday in the Igboukwu community in the state’s Aguata Local Government Area. During the incident, a Barreta pistol and dagger were found on the remaining three gang members, who were also arrested.

The suspects boarded a commercial bus from Nnewi and were travelling to an unidentified location before they encountered the police at the checkpoint, according to state police spokesman DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who verified the incident.

“Police officers affiliated with the Anambra State Police Command have dismantled an armed gang at Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area,” he declared.

“Today, Sunday, January 14, 2024, the gang arrived at the police checkpoint on a commercial bus from Nnewi and was stopped for a search.” After stepping out, one of the thugs pulled a Baretta pistol and was shot to death.

“A hidden dagger was discovered after their bag was searched.”

He continued by saying that the State Criminal Investigation Department had been given the order to take over the case for a comprehensive investigation by Anambra Police Commissioner Aderemi Adeoye, who had commended the staff for their alertness.

He brought up the fact that two elderly passengers who boarded the bus at a different location were also ordered to be released immediately by the CP.

“The Command wishes to assure the good people of Anambra State that it will always live up to its responsibility in safeguarding lives and property of all law-abiding citizens in the state,” he added.

In a similar vein, Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala LGA saw the state police command foil an armed robbery operation and neutralise one of the thugs.

This was revealed by state police spokesman Ikenga in a statement on Monday. He also said that the exercise on the alleged robbers was conducted by the police special crack squad that CP Adeoye had stationed in Ihiala.

Read Also: Anambra police threaten clampdown on cultists over incessant killings

He reported that two motorcycles and one automatic pump action gun had been taken from the thugs.

The statement said, “Weeks before Christmas, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police deployed the Police Special Crack Squad to Ihiala, where they stopped an armed robbery attempt and neutralised one of the thugs.”

The ancient city had been brought back to peace by the crack squad, who collaborate with the local vigilante, allowing the Ihiala sons and daughters who had come from all over the Diaspora to enjoy the festivities.

In Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala, on the evening of January 12, 2024, a middle-aged man was confronted by gunmen who were attempting to rob him of his car.

“The gunmen, who rode two motorcycles, opened fire on the police when they saw the squad. In order to prevent them from striking the potential target of the armed robbery, the operatives skillfully engaged them before they quickly left the scene.

“The hoodlums yielded two motorcycles and one automatic pump action gun.”

Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police charged the police squad not to relent in flushing out all criminal elements out of Ihiala and neighbouring communities like Isseke, Lilu, Orsumoghu and Azia.

He continued, “The CP promised the squad ongoing logistical support to ensure it fulfils its mandate.”