In a decisive operation, the Anambra State Joint Security Force successfully raided an insurgents’ camp located in Achalla, the administrative headquarters of Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, spearheaded by the state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, aimed to root out criminal elements responsible for disrupting peace and economic activities in the area.
According to a press statement issued by the state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the insurgents had previously instigated unrest by disrupting trading activities at Achalla Market, compelling traders to observe a forced sit-at-home order.
In response to these disturbances, the state police command orchestrated a pre-dawn operation on Monday, February 19, 2024, targeting the insurgents’ stronghold. The operation yielded significant results, with the recovery of five stolen high-end vehicles, over 300 rounds of machine gun ammunition, and 34 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition designed for AK-47 rifles.
Ikenga confirmed the safe return of all operatives involved in the operation to their respective bases, highlighting the directive from the Commissioner of Police to contact the owners of the recovered vehicles for proper identification and retrieval.
He further emphasized the ongoing manhunt for the fleeing insurgents, extending efforts to hospitals and clinics to ensure their apprehension after receiving necessary medical attention.
The successful raid adds to the string of recent victories by the Anambra State Police Command in combating crime in the region. In January 2024, Commissioner Aderemi Adeoye announced the arrest of approximately 30 suspects, including kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, and other criminals plaguing the state.
Moreover, on February 12, 2024, the command recovered two AK-47 rifles stolen from police formations in previous years. One of the rifles was traced back to the Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, stolen during a 2021 attack by unknown assailants, while the second rifle was looted from the Area Command Headquarters, Ogidi, Idemili Local Government Area, during a similar insurgent attack last year.
