By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Three individuals, including two gunmen and a security operative and were killed on Thursday evening following an attack by armed criminals on a security checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2025, was, however, successfully repelled by the gallant operatives of the Anambra Joint Security Team stationed at the checkpoint, according to a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
Confirming this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the PPRO explained that two of the assailants were neutralized in the gun duel that ensued, while the Joint Security Team unfortunately recorded a fatality, as one of its personnel died in the attack. He said the criminals also succeeded in setting ablaze one of the operational vehicles used by the security team before fleeing, adding that the gunmen also abandoned one of their vehicles while fleeing, due to the superior fire of the security operatives.
“During the ensuing gun battle and due to the superior fire of the Joint Security Team, the criminals abandoned one of their operational vehicles — a Toyota Sienna — and fled the scene,” the statement added.
While condemning the act, the State Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the attack as an affront and a test on the collective resolve of the good people of Anambra State to partner with security agencies in flushing out criminal elements terrorising the state.
The Police Commissioner assured the public that efforts were already ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing hoodlums, even as calm had returned to the area. He further disclosed that additional armed security personnel had been deployed to comb nearby bushes and secure the region.
CP Orutugu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Anambra state, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via emergency lines.
