Following a gunfight with security personnel during the opening of the city’s yearly “Imoka cultural festival,” the Anambra State Police Command has taken one suspect into custody in Awka, the state capital.
One locally manufactured Berreta pistol, one live round, and other incriminating goods were also found on the suspect, according to a press statement issued Tuesday by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the state police command.
A police officer was shot during the shooting and was sent to the hospital, where he is still receiving treatment, Ikenga continued.
According to him, the operation was carried out by members of the state police command’s Rapid Response Squad with the intention of displacing criminal elements who were allegedly using the festival as a cover to commit crimes and disturb the peace.
He claims that late on Monday, after intelligence gathering revealed that some criminals were committing crimes under the pretense of celebrating the Imoka festival, the police stepped up a raid and covert operations on a few dark spots in Awka and the surrounding area.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command, acting on information received overtime on how miscreants, under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival, engaged in criminal activities, become unruly, and make life unbearable for the good people of the State, especially residents and indigene of Awka, have intensified raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and its environs.
“This is aimed at ensuring a crime-free celebration of the festival. Given the above, police operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad, Awka sector, in the late evening of May 19, 2025, arrested one Nasiru Samaila ‘M’ aged 25 years.
Additionally, a locally manufactured Beretta pistol, a knife, live ammo, and a significant amount of material thought to be hard narcotics were found in Awka. The guy began shooting randomly in an attempt to flee, but the police squad stopped him by shooting him in the right leg.
“Sadly, one of the police officers was shot and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital after being transported there. Enforcing the law and maintaining public safety are still top priorities for the Anambra State Police Command. Any new information will be shared appropriately.
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