By Pamela Eboh
Security operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have foiled a robbery and kidnap plan by criminal elements in the state on Monday.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Awka on Tuesday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga.
He said that the planned attack which happened along the Ebenebe-Achalla road in Awka North Local Government Area of the state was foiled on Monday by men of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, who were on anti-kidnapping patrol before being alerted by a good-spirited citizen who saw two gun men being conveyed on a motorcycle along the road.
According to Ikenga the gang members who had already positioned themselves along the road to rob motorists, first engaged the police operatives in gun battle when they sighted them coming.
But they later took to their heels when the operatives overwhelmed them in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their guns in the nearby bushes.
The statement partly read, “Operatives combed the Bush and recovered two AK-47 Rifles loaded with several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and shells of expended rounds,” he said.
In his reaction, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who commended the team for its gallantry, urged them to step up proactive operations in that part of the State until all criminal elements tormenting citizens in the area are completely flushed out.
He called on the residents to always alert or avail security operatives with any vital information that can aid their operation and fight against criminality and men of the underworld in Anambra State, noting that police-citizens collaboration is very essential in winning the battle.
