Three suspected gunmen were killed and a criminal hideout dismantled during a security operation by operatives of the Anambra State-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday night by Agunechemba operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Aguata in collaboration with the police, also led to the recovery of a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles, other weapons, a white Hilux van allegedly used by the gang, charms, handbags and other incriminating items.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 24, Agunechemba’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Nweke Nweke, said the group had been linked to several criminal activities across the state, including an attack on the convoy of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Chief of Staff, Ben Nwankwo.
The convoy was attacked on June 2 along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and two civilians. According to the statement, intelligence gathering led security operatives to the gang’s location in the Isuofia-Igboukwu area, where they were allegedly carrying out robbery operations.
“Last night, (23/06/2026) the Agunechemba Unit from FOB Aguata in Anambra State neutralised three members of a terror group that has caused considerable turmoil in the state, while several others managed to flee with gunshot injuries.
“This gang had been masquerading in Federal Government security uniforms and had previously attacked the convoy of Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, resulting in casualties. Their downfall occurred during a firepower encounter with our operatives,” the statement said. The security outfit said the suspects attempted to escape after spotting operatives, prompting a pursuit during which all exit routes in the area were blocked.
“With thorough intelligence gathering, our team, in partnership with police, zeroed in on the gang in Isuofia-Igboukwu area, where they were robbing innocent victims. As our operatives approached, the gang attempted to flee. In a determined chase, Agunechemba and police units sealed off all escape routes in the Aguata LGA Area.
“Realising they were being pursued, the gang opened fire, but thanks to divine intervention and the ancestors of the Anambra State, three notorious gang members were neutralised without any casualties among Agunechemba operatives,” the statement added.
Agunechemba said intelligence reports indicated that the group used a white Hilux van to carry out kidnapping, armed robbery and abduction operations across the Anambra South Senatorial District and neighbouring areas. The security outfit described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
“In recognising this achievement, Prince Ken Emekayi, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Sylvester Ofodeme, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security, and the Head of Operations of Agunechemba, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, stated that the dismantling of this gang represents a significant triumph for the security forces in Anambra.
“The operation resulted in the recovery of a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles and other weaponry, the gang’s operational white Hilux van, along with various charms, handbags, and other incriminating items,” the statement said.
