A Police-led Joint Task Force (JTF) in Anambra State has dismantled a suspected criminal camp in Agulu-Ezechukwu, located in Aguata Local Government Area, neutralizing one armed suspect during the operation.

 

The raid, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, followed coordinated efforts by operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Anambra Vigilante Group.

 

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued Friday in Awka.

 

According to Ikenga, the task force engaged the suspects in a fierce seven-hour gun battle before successfully overrunning the camp.

 

“One armed hoodlum was neutralized, and the identified criminal hideout was set ablaze,” he said. “Recovered from the scene were a suspected stolen ash-coloured Toyota Sienna (registration number EKY 03 FF), an unregistered white Mazda Hilux, a motorcycle, mechanical tools, and various household items including pots, mattresses, gallons, groceries, clothes, and other suspected incriminating materials.”

 

Ikenga added that security operatives are currently combing the surrounding area, following blood trails in pursuit of other fleeing suspects.

 

The operation is part of intensified efforts by security agencies to root out criminal elements and restore peace in the state.