The Anambra State Joint Security Team on Wednesday evening repelled a violent attack by armed hoodlums at a security checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of the state, neutralising two of the assailants in a fierce gun battle.

The confrontation, which occurred on May 15, 2025, resulted in the unfortunate death of one security operative and the burning of an operational vehicle by the attackers.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the hoodlums were forced to abandon one of their operational vehicles — a Toyota Sienna — and fled the scene due to the superior firepower of the security team.

“The Joint Security Team engaged the armed criminals in a gun battle, leading to the neutralisation of two of them. Sadly, one of our operatives was fatally wounded. One of our operational vehicles was also set ablaze by the fleeing assailants,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the attack, describing it as a test of the collective will of Ndi Anambra and the security architecture in the state to combat criminality. He assured that the Command is actively pursuing the perpetrators and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring their apprehension.

“This cowardly act is seen as a challenge to our collective resolve. We remain undeterred and fully committed to working with Ndi Anambra to rid our communities of criminal elements,” CP Orutugu stated.

The police further confirmed that calm has returned to the area, and security has been reinforced with more armed operatives currently conducting operations in the surrounding bushes to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could lead to the capture of the criminals.

Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigations continue.