The Anambra State Police Command said it foiled a planned robbery operation along the Ebenebe-Achalla Road, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.

This was made known in a press statement by the command’s spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday, adding that the operation was carried out on Monday.

Ikenga added that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad from Awkuzu, while on an anti-kidnapping patrol, carried out the operation after a tip-off by a resident who saw the robbery suspects with guns on a motorcycle.

He said, “Men of Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu of Anambra State Police Command on Monday, October 16, 2023, foiled a planned robbery operation along Ebenebe-Achalla Road in Awka North LGA of the state.

“The operatives, while on anti-kidnapping patrol, were tipped off by a public-spirited citizen who saw two gunmen being conveyed on a motorcycle along the road.

“The operatives went in pursuit of the gang and encountered them where they had positioned to rob motorists.”

 

The spokesman added, “On sighting the approaching operatives, they tried to engage them in a shootout but the battle-ready operatives quickly overwhelmed them, forcing them to abandon their weapons and fled into the bushy environs.

 

“Operatives combed the bush and recovered two AK-47 rifles loaded with several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and shells of expended rounds.”

 

He added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, commended the team for its gallantry and asked them to step up proactive operations in that part of the state until all criminal elements tormenting citizens are completely flushed out.