Anambra Security Operatives Record Major Breakthrough Against Gunmen in Orumba North.
Awka, Anambra State.
Anambra State security operatives, working in conjunction with local vigilante formations, have recorded a major breakthrough in the state’s battle against armed criminal gangs, following the neutralisation of scores of gunmen in Awa community, Orumba North Local Government Area.
The operation, which commenced in the early hours of Thursday, August 21, 2025, around 5:00 a.m., lasted for over four hours. It was led by members of the Udogachi and Agunechemba vigilante networks, who stormed a notorious camp used by suspected kidnappers and gunmen.
According to sources, the gang had recently abducted a cabinet member of a traditional ruler, demanded millions of naira in ransom, and still refused to release the victim after payment. Investigations revealed that the group routinely transported kidnapped victims to the Akpugoeze River, where they were ferried via speedboats into Enugu State, complicating rescue efforts and frustrating security operatives.
Over 10 vehicles, including SUVs, were recovered during the raid. Some members of the gang were killed, while others captured alive are presently assisting security agencies in tracking the whereabouts of fleeing accomplices.
Kidnapping and violent crimes have surged across the South-East in recent years. Data from the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) shows that Anambra State alone recorded over 110 kidnap-related incidents between 2022 and 2024, making it one of the most affected states in the region.
In response, the government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo launched the Anambra State Joint Task Force on Security in 2022, emphasising community-based intelligence and collaboration between local vigilantes and conventional security operatives. Thursday’s successful raid is being hailed as evidence that the strategy is yielding results.
Awa community, situated near the Anambra-Enugu border, has long been identified as a flashpoint for cross-border crimes. Security analysts note that as far back as 2019, the Akpugoeze River corridor was flagged as a conduit for arms trafficking and criminal movement. Previous attempts to dislodge the networks often met with limited success, making this latest achievement a significant milestone.
Residents of Orumba North have expressed relief, describing the victory as long overdue. Traditional leaders in the area commended the operatives for their bravery, urging government not to relent in flushing out other hideouts across the state.
“Dismantling one camp is a victory, but these networks are adaptive. Sustained intelligence, surveillance technology, and collaboration with neighbouring states will be crucial if Anambra is to maintain the upper hand,” he said.
Security experts are calling for investment in technology-driven policing, including the use of drones, satellite tracking, and biometric databases, to consolidate the gains. Stakeholders also stress the importance of tackling the root causes of insecurity — youth unemployment, poverty, and the proliferation of small arms.
For now, however, the operation in Orumba North stands as one of the most decisive blows against kidnappers in recent times, restoring hope to residents and setting a benchmark for community-security collaboration in Nigeria.
