Police in Anambra State yesterday intercepted a gunrunner, who was conveying rifles meant for secessionists, who planned to use it to enforce sit at home exercise in the state on May 30.
Spokesperson of Anambra State Police command who disclosed this said the success of the operation was made possible by intelligence gathered by men of the command.
He said: “Anambra police operatives today 23/5/2024 by 11:30 am intercepted a gang member of a notorious gun-running syndicate in Onitsha, recovered seven brand new Jojef magnum pump action guns, in a concealed bag.
“This breakthrough is following the practical intelligence and tact-led Policing strategy of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam to frustrate criminal plans, especially on the intel (intelligence) received over time about planned attacks by unlawful group/secessionists to enforce illegal sit-at-home on 30th May 2024.”
Secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had recently declared May 30 as heroes day, to honour the souls of those departed, during the civil war.
The group warned that the day would be marked by staying at home, and that anyone found violating the order would be dealt with. It also wrote to West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, to cancel its examination and proposed convocation respectively, which were scheduled for that day.
Ikenga describing how The gunrunner was intercepted said: “The operatives laid ambush at the identified location at Creek Road, Onitsha and the gunrunner on sighting the Police abandoned the bag and took to his heels.”
He said CP Itam has directs a manhunt for the suspect and his gang members, while calling on Anambra citizens to sustain the provision of security information, assuring that police will continue to act on them.
