Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested members of a criminal gang linked to the recent attack on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, following a prolonged gun battle that left two suspects dead.
The Anambra State Police Command described the operation as a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to curb violent crime across the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acted on credible intelligence and laid an ambush at Enugwu-Agidi junction after tracking the movement of a five-man gang suspected to be responsible for the convoy attack.
Ikenga said the suspects opened fire on sighting the police team, leading to a fierce exchange that lasted about two hours. During the confrontation, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while three others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the scene were one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, a red beret linked to cult activity, and a black Toyota Highlander believed to have been used by the gang.
The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the suspects, before dying, confessed to participating in the attack on Senator Ngige’s convoy. The suspect reportedly identified the gang as a strike unit of the Vikings confraternity and said the operation was a retaliatory mission following the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, praised their professionalism and directed all tactical units to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He also advised hospitals and medical facilities in the state to promptly report cases of gunshot injuries to the nearest police station while administering treatment.
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