The operation was ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday.
Ikenga added that the hoodlums had disrupted trading at Achalla Market the previous Monday, forcing traders to observe sit-at-home.
He said, “This drew the attention of the security apparatus in the state which made the state police command to decide on giving them a taste of their own medicine in the early hours of Monday, February 19, 2024.
“The hugely successful operation led to the recovery of five exotic vehicles previously snatched at gunpoint. Also recovered were over 300 rounds of machine gun ammunition and 34 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for Ak-47 rifle.”
According to Ikenga, all operatives from various services have returned safely to their base.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that owners of the recovered vehicles be contacted to come forward with proof of ownership and collect their vehicles.
“Manhunt for the fleeing insurgents will be extended to hospitals and clinics to ensure they are brought to justice after receiving adequate treatment,” he added.
In January 2024, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, said the command arrested about 30 suspects, including kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums who have been terrorising the state in recent times.
Also, on February 12, 2024, the Command said recovered two AK-47 rifles stolen from two police formations years back.
The command said one of the rifles was stolen from Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, during an attack by unknown gunmen in 2021, while the second rifle was stolen from the Area Command Headquarters, Ogidi, Idemili Local Government Area, early last year when the formation was attacked by insurgents.
