Security personnel blasted an unknown gunman’s hideout in Akokwa, Imo (VIDEO)

Following a long-gun duel that left some of the criminals dead and others in custody, security personnel in Imo State burst the camp of the unidentified gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu with the help of a coordinated intelligence report.

These criminal groups are suspected of being behind a number of attacks in the state, including the murder of police officers in Mbaise and Akokwa, the burning down of police stations, the attack and attempted kidnapping of the former governor, Ikedi Ohakim, the kidnapping of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe, and most recently the attack in Akokwa that resulted in numerous fatalities.

It is clear that these dangerous gunmen continued to carry out their nefarious schemes up until yesterday, when security forces broke up their camp.

The state government of Imo promised to turn no stone in the fight against insecurity, according to a report from the state government.

“While it has become obvious that the activities of these nonstate actors are politically motivated, aimed at destabilizing Orlu zone and some parts of the state as well as frustrating the efforts of the state government in security management, the administration of Gov. Hope Uzodimma is committed through security agencies in the state to wipe them out and restore peace to the areas affected.”

“This recent triumph by our security agencies is one out of many operations going on in some of these localities, especially in some of their hideouts and with the concerted efforts of the state government and locals, these criminals will continue to meet their waterloo as insecurity will be a thing of the past.

“Gov. Hope Uzodimma in his quest to bring a lasting solution to this menace in the state and in the entire South East has requested from the President, an advanced technology in the fight against insecurity which has been graciously approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and will help to fight terrorism and banditry to an end.

“Ndi Imo should brace up with the hope that the end is near, the threats to our peace and livelihood will soon become a thing of the past, and ensure reports and intelligence are promptly communicated to our security agencies as it will go a long way in the fight against these faceless criminals and support the efforts of the state government in ensuring that we have a peaceful and secured Imo state that we can be proud of any time.”