In what looks like a sustained onslaught against unknown gunmen in Anambra State, the newly formed security outfit, Agunechemba, on Monday – yesterday, Jamuary 27 – launched a deadly operation in the Lilu no-go area of Ihiala Local Government Area, neutralizing at least six unknown gunmen in the process.
Three other suspects fled their camps with various degrees of gunshot wounds, as the security squad stormed the area.
According to a Daily Sun report, Agunechemba Security Squad has taken control of two camps in the area, urging villagers to resume their daily activities, as, according to the security outfit, peace has been restored to the community.
Lilu Community has been a hotspot for gunmen activities, with reports of kidnapped victims being held in dug-out pits while awaiting ransom payments.
A source within the Agunechemba Security Squad, who preferred anonymity, revealed that the outfit had conducted sustained surveillance in the area before launching the operation.
The source attributed the success of the operation to the cooperation of local residents who were tired of living under the control of the gunmen.
Prior to the raid, the security squad had also stormed the Umuoji Community in Idemili North Local Government Area, neutralizing two suspected gunmen and recovering arms and charms allegedly used in previous operations.
In a related development, Presidents-General of various communities in Anambra have begun compiling inventories of residents, as well as operators of bars and eateries, to facilitate effective profiling.
According to Barr. Titis Akpudo, President-General of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), it has become imperative to complement the efforts of the Agunechemba Security Squad, ensuring strict compliance with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directives.
