Two Armed Suspects Killed As Police Gun Down Gang In Anambra

Two suspected armed criminals have died following a gun battle with operatives of the Anambra State Police Command at Enugwu-Agidi, Dunukofia Local Government Area.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed on Thursday that the incident occurred in the early hours of January 15.

Ikenga said the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives, upon intelligence, identified the movement of a five-man gang.

The gang were suspected to be involved in armed robbery, cult violence and activities linked to a proscribed secessionist group.

He noted that the RRS l laid an ambush along the Enugwu-Agidi axis after tracking the suspects’ movement.

“Upon sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted for about two hours,” Ikenga said.

According to him, two members of the gang sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the exchange, while three others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Ikenga said firearms, ammunition and a black Toyota Highlander were recovered from the scene of the encounter.

He added that one of the suspects, before dying from injuries sustained during the gunfight, made disclosures linking the gang to previous violent incidents in the state.

“While in deep agony, one of the suspects confessed that the gang was part of those who earlier attempted an unsuccessful attack on the convoy of a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige,” he said.

The suspect also allegedly identified the group as members of the Vikings confraternity, “on a retaliatory mission following the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group.”

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, was quoted as commending the operatives for their response and directing intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The Command will continue to deny criminal elements any space to operate in Anambra State,” Orutugu said.

The police also urged hospitals and other medical facilities to report “any person presenting gunshot injuries” to the nearest police station.

“Investigations are ongoing”, the command said.