Two gunmen were killed in Anambra during a gunfight between the military and hoodlums.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.

Police in Anambra State said they killed two gunmen in separate operations in Okija, in the state’s Ihiala Local Government Area.

Four automatic pump action, four vehicles, four motorcycles, and other items were recovered from the suspects, according to Tochukwu Ikenga, a police spokesperson.

He did, however, say that other of the deceased’s accomplices escaped with bullet wounds and that efforts were being made to apprehend them.

“Anambra State Security Forces, comprised of the military and police, neutralized two gunmen and recovered four automatic pump action rifles, one cutlass, and one ash color Lexus jeep 350 with registration numbers KJA-666HE,” he said.

“Others include a white Toyota Hilux jeep with no registration, a white Toyota Corolla with HAL- 732RF registration, a silver Highlander jeep with no registration, and four motorcycles with no registration.”

“The recovery occurred after a distress call at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022, along the Onitsha/Owerri expressway junction leading to Okija Nkwo Market, where some hoodlums were blocking the road and robbing/extorting motorists.”

“The Joint Forces reacted quickly and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, neutralizing one of the armed men while others escaped with bullet wounds,” the report says.

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

“The Operatives engaged in a gun duel with the armed men.” One suspect was apprehended, two automatic pump actions and one marchet were recovered, and others fled.

“There were no casualties among the operatives, and the situation was stabilized.” Meanwhile, the search for the remaining gang members is still ongoing.”

Furthermore, the spokesperson stated that the Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, charged the operatives with keeping the tempo against the onslaught on criminal elements, while also ordering increased patrols and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls in the State.