By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Two gunmen were killed by the joint security forces in different operations at Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State at the weekend.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement in Awka, the state capital on Sunday.
He said four automatic pump action, four vehicles, four motorcycles, and other items were recovered from the suspects.
He added that police operatives in the state had intensified and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls.
He said, “Anambra State Security Forces comprising of the military and police, neutralized two gunmen, recovered four automatic pump action, one cutlass, one ash colour Lexus jeep 350 with reg. nos KJA- 666HE, one white Toyota hilux jeep without reg nos., one white Toyota Corolla with reg. nos. HAL- 732RF, one sliver Highlander jeep without reg nos, four motorcycles without reg. nos.
“The recovery followed a distress call at about 9:30am on 23/7/2022( Saturday) along Onitsha/Owerri expressway junction leading to Okija Nkwo Market , where some hoodlums blocked the road and were robbing/extorting motorists.
“The Joint Forces responded swiftly and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel; neutralised one of the armed men while others escaped the scene with bullet wounds.
Ikenga added, “In another development, police operatives at about 3:30pm on same date while on clearance operation, sighted another criminal gang at Nkwo Market Okija.
“The Operatives engaged the armed men in a gun duel. One of the suspects was neutralised and two automatic pump action and one marchet recovered while others fled the scene.
“No casualty on part of the operatives and the situation has been brought under control. Meanwhile, Operation is still ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing gang members.”
The PPRO added that the Commissioner Of Police in the state, Echeng Echeng, while charging the operatives to sustain the tempo of the onslaught on criminal elements, ordered that patrols be intensified and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls in the state.