A major breakthrough has been recorded in Anambra State after a police-led joint security team disrupted the activities of a suspected armed gang and recovered dangerous weapons during an operation in Orumba South Local Government Area.
The operation, which many residents did not see coming, resulted in the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, and several other items believed to have been used by the criminal group.
According to security authorities, four suspected gang members were neutralised during a fierce gun battle. However, several others reportedly escaped into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds as operatives intensified efforts to track them down.
The Security Operation took place on the evening of June 23, 2026, along the Ogboji-Ajalli Road. The mission was carried out by a Police-led Joint Security Patrol Team operating under the Aguata Sector.
Reports indicated that the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. Moreover, security operatives were said to have received credible information about the movement of heavily armed suspects travelling in a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Acting on the intelligence, the team launched what was described as a high-risk patrol. The objective was to prevent criminal groups from operating freely within the area.
During the encounter, security operatives came under attack and a gun battle followed. Nevertheless, the officers maintained their position and successfully overpowered the armed suspects.
Following the operation, a large cache of weapons and other materials was recovered from the scene.
Items recovered included one General Purpose Machine Gun with 53 rounds of linked ammunition. In addition, two AK-47 rifles and two magazines were seized.
Furthermore, 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition were recovered.
Security operatives also found four undetonated Improvised Explosive Devices. Police camouflage uniforms and accessories were equally recovered.
Meanwhile, a white Toyota Sienna bus with Lagos registration number KJA 919 KH was seized during the operation.
Other items recovered included ten Android phones, two feature phones, one laptop computer, and a Point-of-Sale machine.
Moreover, power banks, ATM cards, a National Identification Card, a driver’s licence, charms, and other exhibits linked to the suspects were recovered.
Security sources described the discovery as significant because of the quantity of weapons involved.
Following the success, additional personnel were deployed across surrounding communities. Extensive search operations have also been launched to locate fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, efforts are being intensified to recover more weapons and dismantle any remaining criminal networks operating within the area.
The operation has been praised by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who commended the officers involved.
According to the statement, the IGP praised the operatives for a “job well done” and urged them to sustain the momentum.
He also directed the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Livingston Orutugu, to ensure officers receive the support needed to complete ongoing operations.
