Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, has dealt a devastating blow to a terror syndicate that has been terrorising the state, neutralising three members of the armed gang that attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Ben Nwankwo, earlier this month. The operation, which took place on Tuesday night, June 23, 2026, in the Aguata Local Government Area, also forced several other members of the gang to flee with gunshot wounds, according to a statement by the outfit's Media and Publicity Secretary, Nweke Nweke.
The successful raid followed a period of intensive intelligence gathering that pinpointed the gang's location in the Isuofia-Igboukwu area, where they were actively robbing innocent victims. Acting on this intelligence, a combined team of Agunechemba operatives and police units moved in, prompting the gang to attempt a desperate escape. However, security forces had effectively sealed off all escape routes in the Aguata Council Area, cornering the criminals.
A fierce gun duel ensued as the trapped gang opened fire on the operatives. The Agunechemba unit, however, proved superior, neutralising three notorious members of the gang without any casualties on their side. The operation marked a significant victory for the state's security apparatus and a major step towards dismantling criminal networks operating in the Anambra South Senatorial District and beyond.
The three neutralised suspects were identified as part of the same terror group that had masqueraded in federal government security uniforms when they attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff on June 3, 2026. That attack, which occurred along the Amansea-Awa-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma Road as Dr Nwankwo was returning to Awka from his village, resulted in the deaths of two police operatives and a friend who was travelling with the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff and another official, said to be a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, escaped unhurt.
The Agunechemba operation yielded a significant cache of weapons and incriminating items. Among the recovered items were a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles, and other weaponry. The gang's operational white Hilux van, which they used for a variety of criminal activities including kidnapping, armed robbery, and abduction, was also seized. Additionally, operatives recovered various charms, handbags, and other incriminating items from the suspects.
The successful operation has been hailed by senior government officials and security chiefs. Prince Ken Emekayi, the Governor's Special Adviser on Community Security; Sylvester Ofodeme, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security; and Chief Chinenye Ihenko, Head of Operations of Agunechemba, described the dismantling of this gang as a significant triumph for the security forces in Anambra. Their statement emphasised that the operation demonstrates the state government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
The Anambra State Government had previously vowed to hunt down the gunmen responsible for the attack on the Chief of Staff's convoy. The successful operation by the Agunechemba security outfit and the police is a clear demonstration of that commitment. The recovery of the RPG, AK-47 rifles, and the operational vehicle has dealt a severe blow to the gang's capacity to continue their reign of terror. The state government has reiterated its determination to maintain the momentum in the fight against crime and to ensure that all criminal elements are brought to justice. The Agunechemba security outfit and the police continue to intensify their efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the gang who are currently at large.
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