The Anambra State Police Command has raided a suspected secessionist camp in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering sophisticated weapons, ammunition and explosive devices in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in ongoing security operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, saying the operation formed part of sustained offensives targeting criminal hideouts and flashpoints across Anambra.
The latest raid comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to tackle rising cases of violent attacks, cult-related killings, kidnappings and separatist-linked violence in parts of Anambra and the wider South-East region.
Orutugu said the command carried out strategic clearance operations on May 7 following intelligence reports that some members of the outlawed secessionist group were attempting to regroup at the location after the camp had earlier been destroyed by a joint security team.
According to him, the operation was aided by intelligence gathered from one Nnamdi Ogbonna, 37, described as one of the top commanders of the proscribed group who is currently in police custody.
“Recall that the camp was earlier destroyed by a Joint Security Team. Before the confession of one Nnamdi Ogbonna, male, aged 37 years, allegedly one of the top commanders of the proscribed secessionist group, who is in custody, intelligence received over time pointed to how some escaped gang members were attempting to regroup,” he said.
The police commissioner said the offensive operation led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun loaded with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices, one locally-made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and a black Ecolac box.
He added that operatives successfully dislodged the armed suspects and maintained operational dominance in the area to prevent any further regrouping.
In a related development, Orutugu disclosed that police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a 22-year-old suspect identified as Favour Izunna, also known as “Njoku,” alleged to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity cult group.
He said the arrest led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally-made Beretta pistol and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.
According to the commissioner, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in multiple killings in Obosi and surrounding communities, including the deaths of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.
“The suspect also confessed to being one of the executioners of the dreaded cult group and has led as well as participated in many killings,” Orutugu said, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and dismantle the criminal network linked to the suspect.
The police command also announced that five suspects had been remanded at a correctional facility over separate cases involving sexual offences and child abuse in Awka, including a father accused of engaging in an unlawful sexual relationship with his biological daughter in Oko.
Highlighting additional successes recorded by the command, Orutugu said police operatives recently arrested a female suspect identified as Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.
He said the operation resulted in the rescue of 12 children—seven girls and five boys—aged between one and 20 years, believed to be victims of child stealing and human trafficking.
According to him, the rescued children have been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover the full trafficking network and identify other collaborators.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, Orutugu urged residents of Anambra to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information.
He also appreciated the support of the Nigeria Police Force leadership, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, community leaders and residents in the fight against crime.
