Two Armed Hoodlums Killed As Security Operatives Repel Attack On Police Checkpoint In Anambra

Two armed hoodlums were gunned down on Thursday night by joint security operatives after they launched an attack on a police checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to local sources, the assailants—believed to have laid siege in a nearby bush—stormed the checkpoint in a coordinated assault, prompting a fierce gun battle with security personnel.

A community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity told our correspondent on Friday that the exchange of gunfire lasted for hours, plunging residents into panic.

“The hoodlums came in large numbers and hid in the bush before attempting to overrun the checkpoint. But the police responded swiftly, leading to a prolonged gun duel,” the source said.

“While two of the hoodlums were killed, others managed to escape, abandoning one of their operational vehicles. Unfortunately, one police officer was fatally wounded, and one of the security vehicles was set ablaze during the confrontation.”

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident. In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said normalcy had been restored and efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing assailants.

Ikenga said: “On the evening of May 15, 2025, armed criminals attacked a police checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata LGA. Our joint security team engaged them in a gun battle, successfully neutralising two of the attackers. Sadly, one of our operatives paid the ultimate price, and one security vehicle was set ablaze.”

He added that a Toyota Sienna van believed to have been used by the criminals was recovered at the scene, while security teams continue to comb the surrounding bushes for fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a test of the collective will of Ndi Anambra to stand united against criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.

He assured the public that the attackers would be brought to justice and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.