POLICE APPREHEND SUSPECT AFTER GUNFIRE EXCHANGE DURING ANAMBRA FESTIVAL
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By: Motunrayo Aniwura
The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a suspect in Awka, the state capital, following a gunfire exchange with security personnel during the commencement of the annual Imoka Cultural Festival.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the police recovered a locally made Beretta pistol, a live round of ammunition, and other incriminating items from the suspect.
Ikenga further disclosed that one police officer sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The operation, conducted by the Rapid Response Squad, was part of efforts to flush out criminal elements suspected of using the festival as a cover to commit crimes and disturb public order.
According to him, the police intensified a raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and environs, late on Monday, after intelligence gathering indicated that some miscreants were engaging in criminalities under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command, acting on information received overtime on how miscreants, under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival, engaged in criminal activities, become unruly, and make life unbearable for the good people of the State, especially residents and indigene of Awka, have intensified raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and its environs.
“This is aimed at ensuring a crime-free celebration of the festival. Given the above, police operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad, Awka sector, in the late evening of May 19, 2025, arrested one Nasiru Samaila ‘M’ aged 25 years.
“They have also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka. The suspect, in a bid to escape, started shooting indiscriminately but was subdued by the Police team that fired him on his right leg.
“Unfortunately, one of the police operatives sustained a gunshot injury and has been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment. The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring public safety. Further developments shall be communicated accordingly.”
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