BREAKING: Joint force bursts unknown gunmen’s hideout, kills many in Anambra community

A joint operation by Men of the Nigerian Army with Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) on Monday, led to the death of many unknown gunmen who attempted to ambush the security men.

The incident happened at Owoko community of Mmiata Anam, Anambra East Local Government.

This is coming barely 48 hours after an operation by the NHFSS led to the death of scores of unknown gunmen at Umuem Anam, same local government in Anambra State.

The NHFSS Operational Officer in charge of Anambra East, CSO Chinedu Ojukwu, said they had credible intelligence of the existence of a camp of the criminal elements and their gruesome activities in the area and therefore alerted the Nigerian Army.

According to him, the Army quickly mobilised Officers and men who went with operatives of NHFSS to the forest where they were ambushed and attacked by the unknown gunmen.

CSO Ojukwu, however, said that the superior power of the Army, working the Hunters Servicemen quickly subdued the criminals, many of whom were killed during exchange of shootings.

CSO Ojukwu said “Another operation took place today at Awoko in Mmiata Anam. Based on credible intelligence by our operatives.

“The Army swiftly mobilised officers and men who went with us on surveillance.

“However, the unknown gunmen, on sighting the combined team, opened fire which the team responded to. The criminals were subdued by the superior power of the Army.

“In the process, many of the unknown gunmen were neutralised while others took to their heel back to their camp. We followed them and another battle started in their camp. As God will have it, they were defeated.

“Items recovered in their camp include two (2) Lexus 350 and one (1) Parado Jeep as well as other items that were burnt to ashes during the operation that took place today, July 24, 2023.

Reacting to the development, the Deputy Commander General of the NHFSS in charge of Technical Services, thanked the Chief of Army State (COAS), Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for the numerous achievements recorded in the fight against criminals and criminality in Anambra state since the Army Chief assumed office.

He said more than ever before, the Army has been mobilised at various locations in the state, working with the Police, the DSS, NHFSS operatives and other relevant agencies to rid the state of criminality.

He also commended the Commander General of the NHFSS, Ambassador Wale Joshua Osatimehin whom he described as a motivational leader responsible for the exploits of the Hunters Service through quality and dynamic leadership.

He praised the senator representing Anambra East/West, Senator Tony Nwoye for bringing his influence to bear on the security of the area as well as the President General of Aguleri, Rolex Chinemeze for the combined efforts in combating insecurity Anambra East Local Government and its environs.