The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two suspected armed robbers allegedly linked to a proscribed secessionist group following a two-hour gun battle at Enugwu-Agidi Junction in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
In a statement on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the arrest occurred in the early hours of Wednesday after a gun duel with a five-man robbery gang.
He described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and safeguard lives and property.
Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out the operation based on credible intelligence and laid an ambush for the gang.
During the encounter, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while the remaining three fled with varying injuries.
Recovered items from the suspects included one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, one cult red beret, and a black Toyota Highlander vehicle.
The statement added that one of the suspects, in a state of distress, confessed that the gang had been involved in a failed attack on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, and had retaliated against a rival cult group, the Vikings Confraternity.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their bravery and urged them to continue efforts to apprehend the remaining gang members.
Hospitals and medical facilities have been instructed to report anyone with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
This follows a similar intelligence-led operation on November 1, 2025, when a 25-year-old man, Friday Anyikame, allegedly belonging to a proscribed secessionist group, was arrested in Ihiala Local Government Area.
Two pump-action guns and 29 live cartridges were recovered during that arrest, according to SP Ikenga.
The police assured that further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
