AWKA, Anambra State — Operatives of the Anambra State government-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, have killed three suspected members of a criminal gang that previously attacked the convoy of Chief Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to Governor Charles Soludo. The operation, which took place along the Isuofia-Igboukwu road in Aguata Local Government Area, also resulted in the recovery of a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles, and the gang’s operational vehicle.
The joint operation, conducted by the Agunechemba Security Squad and the Anambra State Police Command, neutralised the gunmen after a fierce gun battle. According to Comrade Nweke Nweke, Media and Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, the gang had been responsible for a series of violent crimes, including the attack on the Chief of Staff’s convoy, which resulted in the death of four persons—two police officers and two civilians.
Nweke revealed that the gang had been masquerading in federal government security uniforms to perpetrate their crimes. “With thorough intelligence gathering, our team, in partnership with police, zeroed in on the gang in the Isuofia-Igboukwu region, where they were robbing innocent victims,” Nweke stated. “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 Council Area. Realising they were being pursued, the gang opened fire, but three notorious gang members were neutralised without any casualties on the side of the Agunechemba team.”
The operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and other items, including an RPG launcher, AK-47 rifles, the gang’s operational white Hilux van, charms, handbags, and other incriminating materials. Nweke noted that intelligence indicated the gang used the white Hilux van to carry out various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and abduction of innocent civilians across the Anambra South Senatorial District.
Reacting to the development, Prince Ken Emekayi, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security; Hon. Engr. Sylvester Ikenna Ofodeme, Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security; and the Head of Operations of Agunechemba, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, hailed the operation as a significant victory for the state’s security forces. They commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, stating that the dismantling of the gang would significantly boost public confidence and enhance safety across the region.
The operation follows a recent attack on the convoy of Chief Ben Nwankwo, who escaped unharmed, along the Amansea-Ufuma Road. The gunmen, dressed in police uniforms, mounted a roadblock, killing two police officers and making away with their rifles. The successful neutralisation of the gang members is part of ongoing efforts by the Anambra State Government to combat insecurity in the state. The Agunechemba security outfit was established by Governor Soludo in January 2025 through the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill, to address the worsening security situation.
