A joint security operation led by the Anambra State Police Command has successfully dislodged a criminal camp in Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area (LGA), as part of an ongoing effort to curb crime in the state. The operation, which involved military personnel, operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra State Vigilante, targeted a hideout in a forested area, recovering various items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The raid, captured in images shared by the Anambra State Police Command on X, showcased a well-coordinated effort by the security team. Photographs depict operatives in tactical gear, armed with rifles, taking cover along a dirt path surrounded by dense vegetation. The team’s superior firepower enabled them to neutralize explosives used by the criminals as defensive shields, according to a statement from the police. Some of the criminals reportedly escaped, sustaining bullet injuries during the confrontation.
Among the items recovered were a large cooking pot, food supplies, jerry cans, and parts of suspected stolen vehicles, as shown in one of the images. The camp’s location was geolocated with coordinates (6.047789° N, 7.268523° E), placing it in a rural part of Ogbunka, a town previously identified as a hotspot for insurgent activity. This operation follows a similar raid in Ogbunka in October 2023, where three hostages were rescued, and arms, ammunition, and stolen items were seized.
The Anambra State Police Command emphasized that the joint security force will continue to deny criminals the space to operate within the state. This commitment aligns with the state’s broader security strategy, including the recently launched “Operation Udo ga Achi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign) by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in January 2025. The initiative, which deploys over 2,000 personnel and 200 vehicles, aims to combat crime through advanced technology, intelligence gathering, and rapid response mechanisms.
The operation in Ogbunka is part of a series of raids targeting criminal hideouts in the region. In March 2024, security forces raided insurgent camps in the same area, recovering six primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), walkie-talkies, and substantial food supplies, which were subsequently destroyed to prevent future attacks. These repeated operations underscore the persistent security challenges in Orumba South, a region known for its dense forests and rural terrain, which provide cover for criminal activities.
The Anambra State Police Command commended the professionalism of the operatives involved, noting that no lives were lost during the operation. The state government has pledged continued support for joint security efforts, with Governor Soludo emphasizing the importance of collective action in maintaining peace and security across Anambra.
Residents of Ogbunka and surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities. The state’s toll-free emergency lines, 5111 and 08002200008, along with the national emergency number 112, remain active for reporting incidents. As the security forces intensify their efforts, the message is clear: Anambra State will not be a safe haven for criminals.
