By Kamsi Anayo
No fewer than two soldiers and five hoodlums were Saturday feared dead in a fierce battle when gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, the hometown of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.
According a source, the hoodlums first attacked the soldiers and killed two of them before the army personnel gave them a chase and neutralised four of them in the process in the early hours of the day.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said five of the hoodlums were neutralized by the joint security forces.
He said the security task forces recovered one Toyota Venza jeep, as they intensify patrol within the state especially in isuofia.
“Anambra State Security Forces comprising of the Military, Police, other security agencies neutralized five unknown gunmen in umuona, isuofia, Aguata LGA Anambra state, recovered one grey Toyota Venza jeep with reg .KRD 344 BT.
“This followed a distress call at about 10:30am today 12/11/2022 along afor market in isuofia, where some hoodlums, attack a security checkpoint in the area. The Joint Forces from FOB Aguata responded swiftly, engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and neutralized five of the armed men while others escaped with dark blue Lexus 470 jeep without plate number from scene with bullet wounds.
Ikenga said the Commissioner Of Police, Echeng Echeng while charging the Operatives to sustain the tempo against onslaught on criminal elements, ordered patrols be intensified and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls in the state.
“Further details shall be communicated please as operations is still ongoing,” he said
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, also confirmed it in a statement.
Nwosu said, “A gang of gunmen struck the Nigerian Army checkpoint at Afor-Uzo Junction, Isuofia this morning. But unfortunately for the hoodlums they met their Waterloo.
“Our galant and alert security agents who gave them a hot chase immediately returned fire and neutralised 4 of the gang members in a fierce exchange of shootings. Their Toyota Avenza with which they launched the deadly operation was recovered.
“The government of Anambra state wishes to reassure the people of their safety, especially during this yuletide season.
“If you see something; please say something to help our vigilant security agents protect you better. ”
The Commissioner gave no fewer than five dedicated telephone lines for which the public could report security issues to the appropriate authorities”
