By Karen James
In a decisive move against criminality, the Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) Agunechemba, successfully dismantled a secessionist and terrorist camp in Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area, rescuing a kidnapped victim and neutralizing four suspects.
The joint operation, spearheaded by the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, August 21, 2025, following credible intelligence reports. The carefully coordinated raid lasted more than 15 hours and dealt a significant blow to insurgent activities in the state.
According to police sources, the kidnapped victim had earlier been held hostage in the camp, despite his family paying a ransom of ₦20 million. The captors reportedly aborted his release, but he was eventually freed unharmed by the joint security team during the operation.
A fierce gun battle ensued, during which four criminal elements were neutralized. Security forces also recovered a cache of dangerous weapons and items from the camp, including:
- 2 pump-action guns
- 1 fabricated AK-47 rifle
- 1 K2 assault rifle
- 1 locally made hunter’s gun
- 3 improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- Radio transmission gadgets and explosives materials
- Four vehicles, including a black Lexus RX 350 Jeep (ACA 340 MA) and three Toyota Camry cars (ABC 268 FQ, EKY 151 CD, FGG 706 ME)
- 5 mobile phones, various IDs, sleeping materials, and food supplies.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured Ndi Anambra that the command remains unwavering in its mission to restore peace and security across the state.
“This successful operation is a clear message that Anambra will not be a safe haven for criminal elements. Our men are committed to flushing out terrorists, kidnappers, and insurgents wherever they hide. Extensive follow-up operations are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and destroy any remaining criminal camps,” the Commissioner stated.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, further noted that residents would be updated as more developments unfold, urging the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful intelligence to security agencies.
