A gunfight between security operatives and armed hoodlums at a police checkpoint in the Ajali community, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has left two personnel injured. The victims include a police officer and a member of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).
The violent clash occurred late Thursday on the Umuchu-Amesi-Uga Road when the attackers, who had earlier snatched a vehicle and other belongings from the public, encountered the security checkpoint. Witnesses said the gunmen, realizing they were being pursued, opened fire on the officers.
During the fierce exchange, the hoodlums reportedly set two security vehicles ablaze. A resident, speaking anonymously, described the intensity of the confrontation.
“The armed hoodlums boldly stepped out of their vehicle and began exchanging gunfire with the security men. They managed to burn two vehicles belonging to the Umuchu vigilante. Earlier, they had burned another vehicle, making it three in less than a week,” the resident said.
Despite the attack, the local vigilante team managed to fight back, forcing the assailants to abandon their Toyota Hilux vehicle. “One of the police officers fired and deflated their tyre, which made them flee,” the witness added.
Residents in the area are increasingly worried about the growing activities of hoodlums, particularly with Christmas festivities around the corner. “The level of insecurity here is alarming, and we are afraid it could get worse as the holidays approach,” another resident lamented.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. He said the injured personnel were receiving treatment and that the operation had led to the recovery of a suspected stolen vehicle.
“In the late hours of Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Anambra State Joint Security Team intercepted armed men on the Umuchu-Amesi-Uga Road. A branded blue Hilux vehicle with plate number GDD 440 TJ, suspected to have been snatched, was recovered,” Ikenga said.
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The police also discovered coolers used for food preservation inside the abandoned vehicle.
Ikenga explained that the joint security team had trailed the armed men after they attacked the police checkpoint. “During the gun duel, one police officer and one AVG operative sustained injuries but are responding to treatment,” he said.
He added that the two AVG operational vehicles caught fire and were completely razed.
Security forces in Anambra are working to restore calm and prevent further incidents. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.