Anambra police recover firearms, stolen cash and vehicle after shoot-out in Abagana; suspects escape, intelligence-led manhunt underway

The Anambra State Police Command has recovered firearms, a vehicle, and suspected stolen cash following a shoot-out with fleeing criminals in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area.

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Items recovered include a pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated single-barrel rifle, an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with registration number UWN 680 PE, suspected stolen cash of ₦636,700, and other incriminating items.

The recovery occurred after the suspects’ operational vehicle was involved in an accident during a hot pursuit by police operatives.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the recovery was made at about 5:00 pm on Tuesday by operatives attached to the Commissioner of Police Special Patrol Team during an offensive security operation.

“The operatives of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police Special Patrol, at about 5:00 pm on December 16, 2025, during an offensive security operation in Abagana, recovered one pump-action rifle, one locally fabricated single-barrel rifle, one ash Toyota Highlander with registration number UWN 680 PE, suspected stolen cash amounting to ₦636,700, and other incriminating items,” Ikenga stated.

The suspects escaped during the operation and are currently being tracked, with intelligence-led operations intensified to ensure their arrest.

“The Anambra State Police Command reassures Ndi Anambra of its commitment to proactive policing, the maintenance of law and order, and the safeguarding of lives and property across the state,” Ikenga added.

This follows a recent arrest on December 10, 2025, when a 26-year-old armed robbery suspect, Ugochukwu Uzor, was apprehended in Iyiowa Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The operation led to the recovery of a locally made Beretta pistol and 11 rounds of live ammunition.

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Uzor allegedly confessed to leading several criminal gangs operating across Anambra and neighbouring states.