The Anambra State-backed Agunechemba Security Squad has recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against violent crime, following the successful dismantling of suspected gunmen’s camps in Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas of the state.
The operation, described as one of the outfit’s most successful missions, led to the recovery of a substantial cache of sophisticated weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and locally fabricated rocket launchers. The recovered rocket launchers have since been handed over to the Nigerian Army as part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration to strengthen security operations across the state.
The Publicity Secretary of the Agunechemba Security Squad, Mr. Nweke Nweke, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, attributing the success to sustained intelligence gathering, undercover operations and coordinated surveillance at major security flashpoints across Anambra State.
According to him, the achievement has drawn commendation from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who applauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the effectiveness of the Agunechemba Security Squad and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working closely with the outfit and other security agencies in combating criminality.
“The Agunechemba Security Squad has recorded another remarkable feat in the fight against insecurity following the dislodgement of gunmen’s camps in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas and the recovery of sophisticated weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and locally fabricated rocket launchers, which have been handed over to the Nigerian Army,” Nweke stated.
He noted that the operation underscored the outfit’s determination to rid Anambra State of criminal elements through intelligence-driven operations and strategic collaboration with conventional security agencies.
The formal handover of the recovered weapons took place on Saturday at the office of the Director of Operations of Agunechemba in Awka. The exercise was led by Chief Chinenye Ihenko, who represented the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Mr. Kenneth Emeakayi.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ihenko described the operation as a milestone in the state’s security efforts, emphasizing that the growing partnership between Agunechemba and the Nigerian Army continues to yield positive results in the fight against insecurity.
He reaffirmed the security outfit’s commitment to protecting lives and property under the Anambra Homeland Security framework and commended the operatives for successfully completing the mission without recording any casualties despite fierce resistance from the suspected criminals.
According to him, the operatives came under attack during the operation but responded effectively, forcing the gunmen to flee their camps with injuries while abandoning their weapons.
“This operation ranks among our greatest achievements. Our personnel displayed exceptional courage and professionalism without suffering any casualty. The criminals fled under pressure, leaving behind their weapons and escaping with injuries,” he said.
Ihenko also expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo for providing the necessary support and logistics that have strengthened the operational capacity of the Agunechemba Security Squad.
He noted that the support has enabled security forces to reclaim territories previously occupied by criminal elements, particularly in Orumba North, Orumba South, Ihiala, and Ogbaru Local Government Areas.
While appealing to residents to remain vigilant, he urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through collective responsibility.
Also speaking at the event, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Onitsha, Colonel Buteus Yakubu, represented by Lieutenant P. O. Idowu, commended the Agunechemba Security Squad for the successful operation.
He expressed satisfaction with the increasing level of cooperation among the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State and the Agunechemba Security Squad, describing the collaboration as critical to sustaining the fight against violent crime and restoring peace across the state.
The ceremony concluded with the formal transfer of the recovered weapons—comprising two General Purpose Machine Guns and a locally fabricated rocket launcher—to the Nigerian Army. The event was witnessed by military officers, officials of the Agunechemba Security Squad and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The latest operation is widely regarded as another major boost to Governor Soludo’s security strategy and reinforces ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence in public safety throughout Anambra State.
