The Agunechemba Security Squad has recorded a major success in its campaign against violent crime after dismantling suspected gunmen’s camps in Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas of Anambra State.

The operation led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and locally fabricated rocket launchers, with the rocket launchers subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Army.

The outfit’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Nweke Nweke, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

He said the operation was the result of sustained intelligence gathering and covert surveillance carried out at identified security flashpoints across Anambra South Senatorial District in recent days.

According to him, the feat has been recognised by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the performance of the Agunechemba Security Squad and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working with the outfit and other security agencies to tackle crime in the state.

Nweke said: “The Agunechemba Security Squad has recorded yet another feat in the fight against insecurity following the dislodgement of camps of gunmen in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas and the recovery of a cache of arms, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and locally made rocket launchers, which were handed over to the Nigerian Army.

“Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the operations of the Agunechemba Security Squad, reiterating that the Army will continue to partner with other security organisations such as Agunechemba in fighting crime and criminality in the state.

“This success story is on account of intelligence gathering and undercover operations of the outfit at major security flashpoints in Anambra South Senatorial District in the last few days.”

He described the handover of the recovered weapons as further evidence of the security outfit’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.

The transfer took place on Saturday at the office of Agunechemba’s Director of Operations in Awka. It was led by Chief Chinenye Ihenko, who represented the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Mr Kenneth Emeakayi.

Addressing those present, Ihenko said the exercise reflected the growing partnership between Agunechemba and the Nigerian Army in confronting insecurity.

He stressed the need for continued collaboration with federal security agencies, noting that the operation marked an important milestone in the fight against criminality across the state.

He also assured residents that the security outfit would remain committed to its responsibilities under Anambra’s homeland security framework.

Commending the operatives, Ihenko revealed that they completed the mission without suffering any casualties despite coming under attack.

“This operation is among our greatest achievements; our team performed valiantly without any losses. When confronted by the gunmen, they retreated, leaving their weapons behind and fleeing with injuries.

“We express appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the support provided to Agunechemba, which has invigorated our efforts to reclaim areas previously dominated by criminals, particularly in Orumba North and South, Ihiala, and Ogbaru LGAs,” he said.

He appealed to residents to continue providing support and useful information to security agencies, saying lasting security could only be achieved through collective effort.

Also speaking, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Onitsha, Col. Buteus Yakubu, represented by Lt. P.O. Idowu, praised Agunechemba for the successful operation.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State and the Agunechemba Security Squad.

The event concluded with the formal transfer of two General Purpose Machine Guns and a locally made rocket launcher to the Nigerian Army, witnessed by military personnel, Agunechemba officials and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly