Anambra State Police Command has confimed the killing of two gunmen in separate operations at Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Awka, on Sunday, July 24.

Ikenga said four automatic pump actions, four vehicles, four motorcycles, and other items were recovered from the suspects on Saturday, July 23. He explained that police operatives in the state had intensified and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls.

He said, “Anambra State security forces comprising of the military and police, neutralised two gunmen, recovered four automatic pump action, one cutlass, one ash colour Lexus jeep 350 with registration numbers KJA- 666HE, one white unregistered Toyota Hilux Jeep, one white Toyota Corolla with registration numbers HAL- 732RF, one sliver Highlander jeep without registration number and, four motorcycles without registration numbers.

“The recovery followed a distress call at about 9:30 am on 23/7/2023, along Onitsha/Owerri Expressway junction leading to Okija Nkwo Market, where some hoodlums blocked the road and were robbing/extorting motorists.

“The joint forces responded swiftly and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel; neutralised one of the armed men while others escaped the scene with bullet wounds.”

The PPRO added, “In another development, police operatives at about 3:30pm on the same date while on clearance operation, sighted another criminal gang at Nkwo Market Okija, harassing sellers/buyers and residents in the area.

“The Operatives engaged the armed men in a gun duel. One of the suspects was neutralised and two automatic pump action and one marchet recovered while others fled the scene.

“No casualty on part of the operatives and the situation has been brought under control. Meanwhile, Operation is still ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing gang members.”