A team of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Anambra state police command has neutralized two armed robbery -cum-kidnapping suspects, and recovered an Ak-47 rifle with a magazine containing five live rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun, as well as five live cartridges from the scene of the operation.

The spokesperson of the state police command (PPRO), Superintendent of police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the operation was carried out at Eziowelle in Idemili South LGA in the early hours of yesterday.

He said in a statement he made available to reporters in Awka, the anti-crime squad recorded the breakthrough following an intelligence report communicated to the state police command about the criminal gang.

He said that upon receipt of the report, the credible information that a group of suspected armed robbers/kidnappers had been sighted along Eziowelle Road, the RRS squad promptly mobilized to the area, and that the criminals, on sighting the police team, opened fire on them, leading to a gun duel between the hoodlums and the RRS team.

SP Ikenga stated that during the ensuing encounter, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries. At the same time, other members of the gang fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

The RRS operatives, however, Ikenga said, recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing four live rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun and five live cartridges from the scene.

He said that the state commissioner of police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, assured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to rid the state of all criminal elements and criminalities.

He said the state police boss emphasised that the command is committed to sustained intelligence-led and proactive operations as major strategies for dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state. Stateenga disclosed that the police command has commenced further investigations and intensified efforts to track down the fleeing gang members.