{From OUR CRIME DESK, Awka}
The local security group in Anambra State, Agunechemba, has raided and taken down camps run by suspected gunmen in Orusumoghu, located in Ihiala Local Government Area. During this operation, they seized two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and a homemade rocket launcher, which were later handed over to the Nigerian Army.
This successful mission reflects Agunechemba’s dedication to tackling insecurity and restoring peace in Anambra State. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, praised Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his role in forming and supporting the Agunechemba Security Outfit.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Army will maintain its cooperation with various security agencies, including Agunechemba, to combat crime in the state. Agunechemba’s Director of Operations, Chief Chinenye Ihenko shared this information through a statement released on Sunday by the security outfit’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Nweke Nweke, attributing the success of the operation to thorough intelligence gathering and ongoing undercover work in major security hotspots in the Anambra South Senatorial District over recent days.
The handover of the recovered weapons occurred at the office of the Director of Operations in Awka, led by Chief Chinenye Ihenko. He underscored the significance of transferring these weapons to the Nigerian Army as a step to enhance the partnership between the military and Agunechemba.
Chief Ihenko, representing Governor Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, highlighted the recovery as one of Agunechemba’s most notable successes in combatting banditry and violent crime. He assured residents that the outfit would remain dedicated to its responsibilities under Anambra State’s Homeland Security framework.
Chief Chinenye Ihenko known as Okpompi, commended the exceptional professionalism and bravery of the operatives during the operation, noting that despite being attacked by armed criminals, no team member was injured. “This operation stands out among our significant achievements. Our personnel performed admirably without any casualties, while the gunmen fled with varying injuries, leaving their weapons behind,” he remarked.
Ihenko expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his unwavering support, which has bolstered Agunechemba’s determination to reclaim areas previously held by criminals, particularly in Orumba North, Orumba South, Ihiala, and Ogbaru Local Government Areas. He urged residents to continue supporting the security outfit by providing credible intelligence and prayers, emphasizing that combating insecurity is a collective effort.
The Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who also oversees Agunechemba’s Investigation Unit, praised the state government for adequately funding homeland security operations and highlighted the positive impact of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which has led to the organization’s successes.
Colonel Buteus M. Yakubu, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) in Onitsha, represented the Chief of Army Staff and conveyed appreciation for Agunechemba’s notable achievements to Governor Soludo. He confirmed that the Nigerian Army was pleased with the increasing collaboration among military forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and Agunechemba in addressing security issues within the state. The Colonel assured continued support from the Nigerian Army in fighting criminal activities.
“I will communicate your commendable efforts to Colonel Buteus M. Yakubu, who will inform the military leadership. I am confident that Agunechemba will receive necessary support as needed,” said Lieutenant P. O Idowu.
The event concluded with the official transfer of the seized weapons—two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and a locally made rocket launcher—to the Nigerian Army, along with expressions of goodwill among officers from the Nigerian Army, Agunechemba leadership, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, and officials from the State Homeland Security structure.
