Anambra Police Raid Secessionist Camp, Recover Heavy Arms and Ammunition

The Anambra State Police Command made a significant breakthrough on May 7 when they raided a secessionist camp in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state. The raid resulted in the recovery of heavy arms and ammunition.

The recovered items included one General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition. They also found two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices, one locally-made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, and three hand grenades. Additionally, they recovered 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder, and one black Ecolac box.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday. He said the operation was part of ongoing security offensives across criminal flashpoints in the state.

The camp had earlier been destroyed by a joint security team. However, some escaped gang members attempted to regroup at the location. The police operatives dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping.

One of the suspects, Nnamdi Ogbonna, a 37-year-old alleged top commander of the proscribed secessionists group, is in custody. The police also arrested another suspect, Favour Izunna, also known as “Njoku,” aged 22. He's allegedly a member of the Vikings Confraternity cult group.

The arrest led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally-made Beretta pistol, and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition. Izunna confessed to being one of the executioners of the dreaded cult groups. He led and participated in many killings, including the murder of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka in Obosi and its environs.

The Command also secured the remand of five suspects at the Correctional Centre. They're facing various cases involving sexual offences and child abuse in Awka. One of the suspects is a father alleged to have engaged in an unlawful sexual relationship with his biological daughter in Oko.

The police also arrested a female suspect, Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu. She's accused of child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area. The operation led to the rescue of 12 children aged between one and 20 years. The group comprises seven girls and five boys believed to be victims of child stealing and trafficking.

The children have been placed under protective care. Investigations continue to uncover the full network and possible collaborators linked to the crime.

The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations against all forms of criminality. They're working to ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra.

The Command urges residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant. They should continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information.