Six suspected members of a gang of gunmen were on Saturday killed by the Joint Task Force on Security at the River Niger creek in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state.

The gunmen who had held the Amiyi Community of Ogbaru as well as neighboring Towns hostage were spotted after several days of intelligence gathering before storming the camps of gunmen.

The operation was carried out by a Joint Security Team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services (DSS); 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba operatives from the community.

Acting on credible intelligence, the team trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before arriving at an identified camp suspected to be occupied by an armed criminal group.

On sighting the security personnel, the suspects opened fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were neutralized, while others fled the area, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.

The operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps while the identified camps and structures believed to be associated with the group were subsequently dismantled.

The operation, however, recorded the death of one security operative and injury to another when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated

. The injured operative is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, commended the courage, resilience and professionalism of the security personnel and community-based operatives who participated in the operation despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.

The CP described the successful operation as a further demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in confronting violent criminal elements and disrupting their operational bases.

He also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen security operative, while wishing the injured operative a speedy and full recovery.

The Commissioner reassured residents of the State that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational footholds in any part of Anambra State.

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