By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Gunmen, on Monday, shot at a police officer in Awka, Anambra State capital as miscreants reportedly hijacked the popular Imoka cultural festival.
The officer, it was learnt, was shot when the operatives from Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) Awka sector engaged in gun duel with miscreants causing trouble to residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the report, said the victim is currently recuperating at a nearby hospital.
Ikenga, however, disclosed that the operatives were able to arrest one Mr Nasiru Samaila, aged 25 and recovered one live ammunition, one knife and a large substance.
“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 celebrations of the festival. The suspect in a bid to escape started shooting indiscriminately, but was subdued by the Police team that fired him on his right leg. Unfortunately, one of the police operatives sustained a gunshot injury and has been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.
“Given the above, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) Awka sector in the late evening of the 19th of May, 2025 arrested one Nasiru Samaila ‘M’ aged 25 years. They have also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka,” he added.
