The operation, conducted on Saturday, also claimed the life of a security operative, while another sustained injuries after an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated.

The Anambra Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

Ama said the operation was carried out by a Joint Security Team comprising the Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Security Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.

According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence about the activities of a criminal network operating in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The commissioner said the security team embarked on a difficult four-hour trek through dense palm forest and challenging terrain before reaching an identified camp believed to be occupied by the criminal elements.

But rather than surrender, the secessionists of the camp opened fire on the security personnel, triggering what Ama described as a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

He said six suspected members of the armed group were neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped into the surrounding area.

Some of the fleeing secessionists were also reportedly injured by gunfire, according to the commissioner.

The operation, however, suffered a major setback when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated, killing one security operative and injuring another.

Ama said the injured operative had been evacuated and was receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

Following the gun battle, the security team searched the camp and recovered two pump-action guns and charms.

The identified camps and structures believed to be associated with the group were also dismantled during the operation.

Ama commended the security personnel and community-based operatives for their resilience and professionalism despite what he described as difficult terrain and a hostile operational environment.

He stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, cooperation among security agencies and support from local communities in confronting violent criminal elements.

The commissioner also expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and associates of the deceased security operative, while wishing the injured operative a speedy recovery.

Ama reassured residents of Anambra that the police command, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would continue intelligence-led operations across the state.

He said the operations would focus on dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational bases in communities.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.

He maintained that sustained cooperation between communities and security agencies remained critical to preserving peace and security across Anambra State. (NAN)