Anambra State Police Command says it stopped a planned robbery operation along the Ebenebe-Achalla Road in the state’s Awka North Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed this in a press release on Tuesday, adding that the operation took place on Monday.
Ikenga went on to say that operatives from Awkuzu’s Rapid Response Squad carried out the operation while on an anti-kidnapping patrol after receiving a tip from a citizen who observed the robbery suspects with pistols on a motorbike.
He said, “Men of Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu of Anambra State Police Command on Monday, October 16, 2023, foiled a planned robbery operation along Ebenebe-Achalla Road in Awka North LGA of the state.
“The operatives, while on anti-kidnapping patrol, were tipped off by a public-spirited citizen who saw two gunmen being conveyed on a motorcycle along the road.
“The operatives went in pursuit of the gang and encountered them where they had positioned to rob motorists.”
The spokesman added, “On sighting the approaching operatives, they tried to engage them in a shootout but the battle-ready operatives quickly overwhelmed them, forcing them to abandon their weapons and fled into the bushy environs.
“Operatives combed the bush and recovered two AK-47 rifles loaded with several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and shells of expended rounds.”
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, commended the team for its gallantry and asked them to step up proactive operations in that part of the state until all criminal elements tormenting citizens are completely flushed out.
