Security forces have neutralized three members of an armed group responsible for the early June assault on Dr. Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor. A spokesperson for the Agunechemba Security Outfit, Nweke Nweke, confirmed the operation occurred following a pursuit in the Aguata region.
The initial June 3 attack took place as Dr. Nwankwo traveled along the Amansea-Awa-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma Road. While the Chief of Staff and an accompanying state lawmaker survived the ambush, a friend and two police officers were killed by the gunmen. According to the recent statement, the Agunechemba unit, working alongside police, tracked the group to the Isuofia-Igboukwu area on June 23 while the suspects were allegedly robbing citizens.
During the confrontation, the gang attempted to evade capture, but security forces successfully cut off their escape paths. A firefight ensued, leading to the death of three suspects while others fled with wounds. Authorities reported that the gang frequently utilized a white Hilux van to commit kidnappings and robberies across the Anambra South Senatorial District. Recovered items from the site include AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade, the suspects’ vehicle, and various personal effects taken from victims.