By Izunna Okafor, Awka
In a follow-up to the recent attacks in Ekwulobia and Oko, the Anambra State Police Command has announced the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, further intensifying its clampdown on criminal elements threatening peace in the state.
According to security update provided on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Toochukwu Ikenga, the weapon, the recovered with a fully loaded magazine, was found in the late hours of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, by the Police-led Joint Security Force stationed at Aguata. He said preliminary reports suggest that the rifle may have been abandoned by the armed assailants as they fled during a hot pursuit by security operatives.
This latest recovery comes on the heels of a violent incident earlier that same day, during which gunmen unleashed terror at the Ekwulobia flyover and launched a brazen attack on the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters.
While the identities of the gunmen are yet to known, police authorities assured that surveillance operations are actively underway to track down and apprehend the criminals behind the attacks.
The Command also commended the timely and courageous support of residents and local stakeholders in the affected communities, while also noting that credible intelligence and actionable tips from members of the public played a significant role in both the recovery of the weapon and the broader investigation.
SP Ikenga further emphasized that the affected areas are now calm and under control, with increased patrols and reinforced intelligence-gathering efforts already in place to deter any further breaches.
