Police Raid Suspected Separatist Camp in Anambra, Recover Machine Gun, Explosives, Rocket Launcher

A major security operation in Anambra State has led to the discovery of a suspected separatist hideout packed with heavy weapons, explosives and thousands of rounds of ammunition after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force stormed a camp in Owerre Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area.

Police said the operation was carried out on Tuesday by personnel from the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team and the Rapid Response Squad based in Awkuzu following intelligence obtained from a detained suspect.

According to the Anambra State Police Command, the raid followed information provided by 37-year-old suspect Nnamdi Ogbonna, who is currently in custody.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives encountered armed hoodlums during the operation, triggering a fierce gun battle before security forces eventually overran the camp.

“The operatives acted on credible intelligence and stormed the camp where the armed criminals were regrouping,” Ikenga stated.

He added that the suspects fled the scene with varying degrees of bullet injuries after the exchange of gunfire.

Security operatives recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives from the hideout, including one General Purpose Machine Gun loaded with about 2,000 rounds of live ammunition.

Other items recovered included two fabricated rocket launchers, 25 rocket propellers, 10 improvised explosive devices, three hand grenades, two pump-action guns and a locally made Beretta pistol.

Police also said the detained suspect confessed to participating in attacks targeting security formations and government facilities within the state.

The latest operation comes amid intensified security crackdowns across parts of southeastern Nigeria where authorities have battled armed groups accused of attacks on police stations, government offices and public infrastructure.

Ikioye Orutugu commended the operatives involved in the raid and reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal camps and restoring security across the state.