Days after it was alleged that its operatives killed a 23-year-old man, the Anambra Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) has denied reports of a shooting in Amaeze Village, Mgbakwu Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
There have been allegations of indiscriminate arrests and the fatal shooting of a young man, Chinyeaka Ike, popularly known as Akidi, during the raid, which happened last week.
Following the incident, youths of the community had on Friday mobilized the corpse of the deceased to the Light House, Awka, in protest.
However, in a statement issued on Monday by Karen James, Media Aide to SASA, the agency said a detailed and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has provided clear evidence that the initial narrative does not accurately reflect what transpired.
According to the statement, the events of April 30, 2026, were grossly misinterpreted in early reports circulated to the public.
It noted that this misinterpretation sparked protests and heightened emotions within the community and beyond.
The statement explained that findings indicate the operation carried out by operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) was intelligence-driven and targeted at a suspected drug camp within the community.
It further revealed that an undercover operative, deployed to verify credible intelligence, visited the location under the guise of a buyer and successfully confirmed the existence of illicit drug activities.
According to the report, while attempting to alert his team, the undercover operative was identified and violently confronted by the deceased, who allegedly attacked him with a knife.
The statement added that, in the course of the struggle, the operative, having sustained serious injuries, reportedly acted in self-defense, disarmed his attacker, and inflicted fatal wounds.
It also stated that medical and investigative reports confirmed there was no gunshot wound on the deceased, thereby dismissing earlier allegations that he was shot by security operatives.
Additionally, the statement revealed that 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. 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,” the statement added.
SASA expressed regret over the loss of life and called for empathy, noting that the 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,” the statement added.
