Anambra State Police Command operatives successfully recovered a cache of firearms, a vehicle, and a substantial sum of suspected stolen cash following a high-stakes pursuit and subsequent shootout with fleeing criminals in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area. The incident, occurring earlier this week, underscores the intensified efforts by security forces to combat rising criminality within the state. This significant recovery marks a crucial development in the ongoing battle against armed gangs operating across the region.

Among the items seized were a pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated single-barrel rifle, and an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander, bearing registration number UWN 680 PE. Crucially, law enforcement officials also secured suspected stolen cash totaling ₦636,700, alongside other undisclosed incriminating items. The precise nature of these additional materials remains under wraps as investigations continue.

The recovery operation unfolded at approximately 5:00 pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when operatives attached to the Commissioner of Police Special Patrol Team engaged in an offensive security operation in the Abagana area. Police sources indicate that the suspects’ operational vehicle was involved in an accident during a hot pursuit, leading to its abandonment. The criminals subsequently managed to escape the scene on foot amidst the chaos.

Speaking on the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the details of the recovery. He stated that the suspects are currently being tracked with unwavering intensity. Intelligence-led operations have been significantly ramped up across the state to ensure their swift apprehension and to dismantle their criminal network.

SP Ikenga further reassured the residents of Anambra, known locally as Ndi Anambra, of the command’s steadfast commitment to proactive policing strategies. He emphasized the police’s dedication to maintaining law and order, alongside the paramount objective of safeguarding lives and property across every corner of the state. This public assurance aims to bolster confidence in the security apparatus.

This latest success follows a series of targeted operations by the Anambra State Police Command aimed at curbing criminal activities. Just days prior, on December 10, 2025, operatives achieved another significant breakthrough in a separate offensive operation. This earlier action saw the arrest of a 26-year-old armed robbery suspect, Ugochukwu Uzor, in Iyiowa Odekpe, located within the Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Uzor was apprehended by the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, after sustaining injuries during the operation, which reportedly involved a confrontation with law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, a locally made Beretta pistol and 11 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from him. Police statements indicated that Uzor allegedly confessed to leading several criminal gangs responsible for various illicit activities in Anambra and its neighbouring states.

The Anambra State Police Command continues to face persistent challenges from organized crime groups, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism. These incidents highlight the complex security landscape in the region, prompting the police to adopt multi-faceted approaches. Such strategies often involve enhanced intelligence gathering, rapid response deployments, and sustained community engagement initiatives to foster trust and cooperation.

Authorities underscore the critical role of public vigilance and cooperation in enhancing security outcomes. Residents are consistently urged to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, which proves invaluable in preempting criminal acts and facilitating the arrest of perpetrators. Anonymous tip-offs and community watch programs are vital components of this collaborative security framework.

As investigations into the Abagana incident progress, the police command reiterates its resolve to pursue all leads and bring the fleeing suspects to justice. Further developments regarding both the Abagana shootout and the ongoing efforts to combat crime throughout Anambra State will be communicated to the public as they unfold, maintaining transparency in their operations.

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Keywords: Anambra Police, Stolen cash recovery, Firearms seizure Anambra, Abagana shootout, Njikoka LGA crime, Police pursuit Anambra, Ugochukwu Uzor arrest, Anambra security operations