Anambra security team recovers weapons from gunmen's camps

The Agunechemba Security Squad in Anambra State says it has shut down camps used by suspected gunmen in Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas. They also recovered several weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and locally made rocket launchers.

On Sunday, Mr Nweke Nweke, the Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, released a statement saying the rocket launchers were handed over to the Nigerian Army.

Nweke explained that this operation came after gathering intelligence and conducting undercover work at key security points in the Anambra South Senatorial District over the past few days. He called it a big win in the fight against insecurity.

He added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the efforts of the Agunechemba Security Squad. He also said the Nigerian Army would keep working with other security agencies, including Agunechemba, to tackle crime in the state.

Nweke stated, "The Agunechemba Security Squad has recorded yet another feat in the fight against insecurity following the dislodgement of camps of gunmen in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas and the recovery of a cache of arms, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and locally made rocket launchers, which were handed over to the Nigerian Army."

He continued, "Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the operations of the Agunechemba Security Squad, reiterating that the Army will continue to partner with other security organisations such as Agunechemba in fighting crime and criminality in the state."

Nweke mentioned that this success came from intelligence gathering and undercover operations at critical security spots in the Anambra South Senatorial District in recent days.

He said this action showed Agunechemba's commitment to fighting crime and improving security in the state.

Nweke added that the weapons were handed over on Saturday at the office of Agunechemba’s Director of Operations in Awka. Chief Chinenye Ihenko led the handover.

Ihenko, who represented the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Kenneth Emeakayi, said the transfer of weapons shows the teamwork between the military and Agunechemba. He stressed the need for collaboration with federal security agencies and promised to keep working together to boost security in the state.

According to Ihenko, the operations that led to the recovery of the weapons were a major success for Agunechemba in the fight against crime.

He reassured the public of Agunechemba’s commitment to its role in the state’s homeland security plan. Ihenko praised the operatives for their success, noting they did not suffer any casualties even when attacked by armed gunmen.

He said, "This operation is among our greatest achievements; our team performed valiantly without any losses. When confronted by the gunmen, they retreated, leaving their weapons behind and fleeing with injuries."

He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting Agunechemba, which has helped their efforts to reclaim areas once controlled by criminals, especially in Orumba North and South, Ihiala, and Ogbaru LGAs.

Ihenko urged residents to keep supporting Agunechemba, saying that fighting insecurity needs everyone’s effort.

Col. Buteus Yakubu, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) in Onitsha, also spoke. He was represented by Lt. P.O. Idowu and praised Agunechemba’s achievements. He mentioned that the Nigerian Army was happy with the cooperation among the military, the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State, and Agunechemba.

The event ended with the official handover of the two General Purpose Machine Guns and a locally made rocket launcher. There was also some friendly exchange between the Nigerian Army personnel, Agunechemba leaders, and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly.