The Anambra State Police Command has reported the successful neutralization of an armed robbery suspect, resulting in the recovery of a pump-action gun and two motorcycles in Ihiala Local Government Area. DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, revealed these developments in a statement on Monday in Onitsha.
According to Ikenga, the Police Special Crack Squad, strategically deployed to Ihiala by the Commissioner of Police weeks before Christmas, played a crucial role in thwarting an armed robbery operation and neutralizing one of the hoodlums.
Working with local vigilantes, the crack squad effectively restored calm to the ancient city of Ihiala, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a peaceful festive season. The encounter with the gunmen occurred on the night of January 12, as they attempted to rob a middle-aged man of his vehicle at Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala.
In response to the threat, the police squad, upon sighting the gunmen on two motorcycles, professionally engaged them to prevent harm to the potential victim of the armed robbery. The criminals, opening fire on the police, were met with a swift and effective response.
The operation resulted in the neutralization of one suspect, the recovery of an automatic pump-action gun, and the confiscation of two motorcycles used by the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police expressed satisfaction with the squad’s performance and urged them to continue efforts to eliminate criminal elements in Ihiala and neighboring communities, including Isseke, Lilu, Orsumoghu, and Azia.
The police spokesperson assured ongoing logistics support to the squad, ensuring they had the resources needed to maintain security and order in the region.