POLICE RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIM, KILL SUSPECTED GUNMAN IN ANAMBRA GUN DUEL

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have rescued a 26-year-old kidnapped woman, killed one suspected gunman, and recovered arms and incriminating items following a late-night gun battle with hoodlums in the Amaokpala community, Aguata-Orumba area of the state.

The encounter, which took place late Saturday night, reportedly lasted over an hour and restored calm to the community after intense gunfire.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers from the police-led joint security force attached to the Forward Operating Base in Aguata encountered the criminals during a routine night patrol in the area.

“Upon sighting the patrol team, the hoodlums opened fire. The operatives tactically returned fire, leading to a fierce gun duel that lasted approximately 40 minutes,” Ikenga stated.

He confirmed that during the operation, one of the gunmen was fatally wounded and later died in a nearby hospital. His remains have been deposited at the morgue for preservation.

The police recovered a cache of items from the scene, including one pump-action gun, 11 live cartridges, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number EPE-208-FK, a police belt, one axe, assorted charms, and ₦2,700 cash. Also recovered were a carton of Chelsea sachet alcoholic drinks, a packet of cigarettes, a Tecno mobile phone, and a Zenith Bank ATM card.

The rescued victim has since received medical attention and is set to reunite with her family after being debriefed by authorities.

Commending the operatives, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements in the state.

“Our operatives remain vigilant and will continue to make Anambra State uncomfortable for criminal activities in any form,” he assured.