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

The recovery was made on Tuesday evening during an intensive security operation carried out by operatives attached to the Commissioner of Police's Special Patrol Team. According to the police, the suspects abandoned their operational vehicle after it crashed while they were being chased by security operatives.

Confirming the development in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident occurred at about 5:00 pm during an offensive patrol aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the area.

He explained that items recovered at the scene included a pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated single-barrel rifle, an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with registration number UWN 680 PE, and suspected stolen cash amounting to ₦636,700. Other incriminating items believed to be linked to criminal activities were also found inside the abandoned vehicle.

According to Ikenga, the suspects opened fire while attempting to evade arrest, but were forced to flee on foot after losing control of their vehicle during the chase. Although they managed to escape, he said security agencies have intensified efforts to track them down.

“The suspects are currently being tracked, and intelligence-led operations have been intensified to ensure their arrest. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the police spokesperson stated.

The command reassured residents of Anambra State of its continued commitment to proactive policing, stressing that sustained patrols and targeted operations would remain in place to curb criminal activities and protect lives and property.

The latest recovery comes amid renewed efforts by the Anambra State Police Command to dismantle criminal networks across the state. Just days earlier, police operatives arrested a 26-year-old armed robbery suspect, Ugochukwu Uzor, during a separate operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area. A locally made pistol and live ammunition were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to leading multiple robbery gangs operating within Anambra and neighbouring states.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by providing timely information that could help in the arrest of fleeing suspects and the prevention of crime across the state.