The Anambra State Police Command has raided a secessionist camp in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state, recovering sophisticated arms and ammunition.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, saying the operation was part of ongoing security offensives across criminal flashpoints in the state.

The latest operation comes amid sustained efforts by security agencies to curb rising incidents of violent attacks, cult-related killings, kidnappings and separatist-linked violence in parts of Anambra State and the South-East region.

Orutugu said the command carried out strategic clearance operations on May 7, noting that the camp had earlier been destroyed by a joint security team, but some escaped gang members attempted to regroup at the location.

He said, “Recall that the camp was earlier destroyed by a Joint Security Team. Before the confession of one Nnamdi Ogbonna, male, aged 37 years, allegedly one of the top commanders of the proscribed secessionists group, who is in custody as well as intelligence received overtime points on how some escaped gang members were attempting to regroup.

“The offensive operation led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices, one locally-made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and one black Ecolac box.

“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping.”

The CP also disclosed that police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a suspect identified as Favour Izunna, also known as “Njoku,” aged 22, who is allegedly a member of the Vikings Confraternity cult group.

He added that the arrest led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally-made Beretta pistol and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.

“The suspect also confessed to be one of the executioners of the dreaded cult groups and have led as well as participated in many killings, including victims identified as: Emeka Chukwuka (male) and Chinelo Onyeka (female), among others in Obosi and its environs.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and dismantle the criminal network associated with the suspect.

“The Command has also secured the remand of five suspects at the Correctional Centre over various cases involving sexual offences and child abuse in Awka.

“Among the suspects is a father alleged to have engaged in an unlawful sexual relationship with his biological daughter in Oko alongside other suspects linked to child abuse and related offences,” he added.

Highlighting other achievements of the command in recent months, Orutugu said police operatives also arrested a female suspect, Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu, over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.

According to him, the operation led to the rescue of 12 children aged between one and 20 years, comprising seven girls and five boys believed to be victims of child stealing and trafficking.

He said the children had been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover the full network and possible collaborators linked to the crime.

“The Command remains committed to protecting children and dismantling all forms of human trafficking and exploitation within the state.

“To this end, Anambra State Police Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations against all forms of criminality and ensuring the safety and security of Ndi Anambra.

“We urge residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information.

“The Command also appreciates the support of the Inspector-General of Police, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, community leaders, and the good people of the State for their cooperation and partnership in the fight against crime.

“Together, we shall continue to strengthen security, uphold justice, and make Anambra State increasingly hostile to criminals,” the CP added. (PUNCH)