Six suspected members of an armed criminal group have been killed during a joint security operation in Amiyi, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, while one security operative was killed and another injured during the encounter.
The Anambra State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, August 23, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, following the operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, August 22.
The operation was carried out by a Joint Security Team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; the Department of State Services; the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; the Nigerian Navy from Ogbaru; and community-based Agunachamba operatives.
According to the statement, the team acted on credible intelligence and trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching a camp suspected to be occupied by an armed criminal group.
The police said the suspects opened fire after sighting the security team, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
“At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were neutralized, while others fled the area, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries,” the statement said.
Security personnel recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camp, while structures and camps believed to be associated with the group were subsequently dismantled.
Security operative killed by explosive
The operation, however, suffered a major setback when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated, killing one security operative and injuring another.
The injured operative was evacuated to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Commending the personnel involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, praised their courage, resilience and professionalism despite the difficult terrain and hostile environment.
The Commissioner described the operation as further evidence of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and community support in confronting violent criminal networks.
He also commiserated with the family, colleagues and associates of the fallen operative and wished the injured officer a speedy and full recovery.
CP Ama assured residents that the police, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal weapons and preventing violent groups from establishing operational bases anywhere in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information.
The Command said community cooperation remained critical to sustaining peace and security across Anambra State.
