Two suspects were reportedly killed during a heavy exchange of fire between the police and hoodlums suspected to be armed robbers and cultists linked to proscribed secessionist groups in Enugwu Agidi junction, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a Thursday statement signed by the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, three others fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the fierce gun battle, which lasted for two hours.

According to the statement, one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, one cult red beret and one black Toyota Highlander vehicle were recovered from the suspects.

The statement reads, “Anambra State Police Command in the early hours of 14th January 2026 recorded another major operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.

“The Police Operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, laid an ambush to a 5-man group of armed hoodlums suspected to be armed robbers, cultists, and linked to a proscribed secessionist group at Enugwu Agidi Junction, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.”

The statement added, “Upon sighting the Operatives, the suspects engaged the Officers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for two hours, which resulted in fatal gunshot injuries to two of the armed suspects, while the other three fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

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“The Operatives also recovered one (1) T.06 rifle, two (2) pump-action guns, twenty-four (24) rounds of T.06 ammunition, fifteen (15) live cartridges, Assorted criminal charms, one cult red beret and one black Toyota Highlander vehicle.”

“Furthermore, while in deep agony, one of the armed suspects confessed the gang members as being part of those who launched an unsuccessful but repelled attack by the Police Operatives on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

“He also confessed to being part of the striking squad of the Vikings confraternity on a mission to retaliate for the death of one of their members by another rival cult group,” the statement concluded.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, while commending the gallantry of the operatives, charged them to intensify efforts to arrest other gang members, particularly those who fled with gunshot injuries during the encounter.

Orutugu urged hospital or related medical facilities to admit anyone with gunshot wounds or related injuries, but must endeavour to report such to the nearest Police Station immediately.

The statement stressed that further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.