A joint security team in Anambra State has killed six suspected members of an armed secessionist group during a gun battle in Ogbaru Local Government Area. One security operative was also killed while another sustained injuries after an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated during the operation.

The operation, conducted on Saturday, involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force Rapid Response Squad, Department of State Services, 302 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Navy and community-based Agunachamba operatives. Acting on credible intelligence, the team trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching a suspected camp.

Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects opened fire after sighting the security personnel, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. Six suspects were reportedly neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot injuries. Security operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camp, which was subsequently dismantled.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commiserated with the family and colleagues of the slain operative and wished the injured officer a speedy recovery. He assured residents that security agencies would continue intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal camps, recover illegal weapons and prevent violent groups from establishing operational bases across the state.