The Anambra State Police Command said it had foiled a robbery operation in Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala Local Government Area and neutralised one of the hoodlums.

The Anambra Police Command Spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, adding that the police special crack squad deployed in Ihiala by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, carried out the exercise on the suspected robbers.

He said one automatic pump action gun and two motorcycles were recovered from the hoodlums.

The statement read, “Police Special Crack Squad deployed to Ihiala by Anambra State Commissioner of Police weeks before Christmas has foiled an armed robbery operation and neutralised one of the hoodlums.

“The crack squad which works with the local vigilante had restored calm in the ancient city making it possible for Ihiala sons and daughters who trooped in from the diaspora and elsewhere to enjoy the festive season.

“The encounter with the gunmen occurred on the night of 12 January 2024 as they attempted to rob a middle-aged man of his vehicle at Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala.

“On sighting the squad the gunmen who operated on two motorcycles opened fire on the Police. The operatives professionally engaged them to avoid hitting the would-be victim of the armed robbery who then zoomed off from the scene.

“One automatic pump Action gun and two motorcycles were recovered from the hoodlums.”

Job well done.