In a major security operation, joint forces led by the Nigeria Police Force have successfully raided and dismantled a criminal camp operated by the notorious “unknown gunmen” in the Nimo community, located in Anambra State’s Njikoka Local Government Area.
The criminals had set up camp in a remote area known as Owa Land, where they held kidnap victims taken from various parts of the state. Reports from the community indicate that residents, long terrorized by the group, had written petitions to government agencies seeking intervention. Some locals are believed to have aided the criminals in their operations, although these claims are still under investigation.
The raid, which took place on Christmas Eve, began in the early hours of the morning. Security forces, including the police, military, civil defense, and Anambra Vigilante operatives, engaged the gunmen in a fierce two-hour shootout. The operation resulted in the destruction of several makeshift structures within the camp and the recovery of 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the details, stating that the raid followed credible intelligence and information gathered from interrogations of arrested suspects. “The operation resulted in significant injuries to the fleeing criminals, who left behind a trail of destruction,” Ikenga added.
In the aftermath, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, praised the collaboration between security agencies and the public, highlighting the crucial role of intelligence sharing. He also urged all private and public hospitals to report any patients with bullet wounds to the nearest police station.
The police remain committed to ensuring the safety of residents, with continued patrols and operations planned to maintain security throughout the festive season and beyond.
