Emma Elekwa
An operative of Anambra State Special Anti-Tout Squad (SASA), a state owned security outfit reportedly escaped death during an operation in Amaeze Village, Mgbakwu Community, Awka North Local Government Area of the State.
The security agent said to have been deployed to verify credible intelligence in a suspected drug camp within the community was reportedly attacked by suspected member of the camp.
According to SASA spokesperson, Karen James, the “undercover” operative had successfully confirmed existence of illicit drug activities in the area after infiltrating the location under the guise of a buyer.
She added the operative was however identified and violently confronted by the suspected member of the camp who allegedly attacked him (the operative) with a knife while attempting to alert his team.
Karen further disclosed that the operative, in course of the struggle and acting in self-defense, reportedly disarmed his attacker, inflicting fatal wounds on him that resulted to his death.
Meanwhile, the incident had triggered protests in the community as earlier reports had alleged indiscriminate arrests and fatal shooting of the deceased, identified as Chinyeaka Ike, popularly known as Akidi.
The protesters, predominantly youths in the community had accused enforcement agencies in the state of repeated harassment and extrajudicial actions.
Government house protest
The angry protesters, had stormed the State Government House in Awka, in their numbers, carrying the remains of the deceased alongside placards and green leaves.
They demanded an end to what they described as persistent intimidation and violence by state task forces.
The deceased, said to be the only son of his parents, was recently married, with his wife expecting their first child next month.
The youths’ spokesperson, Arinze Nwoye, alleged that SASA operatives had stormed the area and apprehended young people indiscriminately.
According to him, the deceased and another youth attempted to flee but were pursued, with Ike reportedly shot and later killed under brutal circumstances.
“This innocent soul that just died is a promising youth that is hard working.
“What have we done to SASA and other agencies? We don’t want to take laws into our hands.
“That’s why we are here to complain to the Governor. We voted for him both in first and second tenure, we don’t want SASA again in Mgbakwu community,” he said.
But in a statement, Karem dismissed the shooting allegations, insisting the death was recorded during the struggle between the SASA operative and the deceased.
She said, “Following a detailed and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, it has become evident that the initial narrative does not accurately reflect what transpired.
What findings show
“Findings indicate that the operation carried out by operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Tout Squad (SASA) was intelligence-driven, targeting a suspected drug camp within the community.
“An undercover operative, deployed to verify credible intelligence, infiltrated the location under the guise of a buyer and successfully confirmed the existence of illicit drug activities.
“The investigation further revealed that while attempting to alert his team, the undercover operative was identified and violently confronted by the deceased, who allegedly attacked him with a knife.
“In the course of the struggle, the operative—having sustained serious injuries—reportedly acted in self-defense, disarming his attacker and inflicting fatal wounds.
“Importantly, medical and investigative reports confirmed that there was no gunshot wound on the deceased, thereby dismissing earlier allegations that he was shot by security operatives.
“Additionally, substances suspected to be hard drugs were recovered from the scene, reinforcing findings that the location served as a hub for illegal drug activities.
“Authorities have reiterated that SASA operates strictly within the confines of the law and does not engage in extrajudicial killings.
Zero stance for unlawful killings
“The Anambra State Government has also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on unlawful killings, while equally condemning any form of violence against security personnel carrying out legitimate duties.
“While the loss of life remains deeply regrettable and calls for empathy, this incident underscores the critical need for restraint in the face of unverified information.
“The public is urged to allow due process to prevail and to rely on verified facts in forming opinions.
“The enduring lesson remains that truth must guide justice, and both citizens and institutions must uphold the rule of law in the collective pursuit of peace, security, and societal order.”
