The Anambra State Police Command has launched a major operation to track down and arrest the gunmen responsible for the killing of two police officers during an ambush along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, during an emergency security meeting held on Monday at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.
The slain officers were reportedly attacked on Sunday night while returning from an official assignment as part of a convoy operation. Sources revealed that the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Chief Ben Nwankwo, was also involved in the incident. Nwankwo, who had attended an event on behalf of the governor, escaped unhurt, although some civilians in the convoy sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to have been hiding in nearby bushes, opened fire on the convoy, triggering panic in surrounding communities. The gun battle reportedly lasted several minutes.
A tricycle operator who witnessed the incident said he was travelling home from Ezira when he suddenly heard gunshots and quickly turned back to avoid danger.
“The shooting was intense. I abandoned my tricycle and ran for safety. When everything became calm, I returned and saw two police officers lying lifeless beside their patrol vehicle,” he said.
Videos circulating on social media showed the bodies of the officers on the road, surrounded by blood, while concerned residents called on authorities to take urgent action.
Confirming the incident, Commissioner Orutugu said the command had immediately launched an investigation and intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“A team of police officers returning from an assignment was ambushed by armed men. Unfortunately, we lost two officers in the attack,” he said.
The commissioner directed all tactical and intelligence units to prioritise the operation, declaring what he described as “Operation Fish Them Out.”
“I want the killers of our officers arrested. We cannot continue to lose personnel to criminal elements. The people of Anambra must know that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property,” he said.
Orutugu stressed that justice would be served for the slain officers and vowed that the perpetrators would not escape accountability.
He also warned residents to be cautious around checkpoints, noting that some criminal groups have begun disguising themselves in police and military uniforms to carry out illegal activities.
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“The public should be vigilant because some criminals now operate in security uniforms while committing crimes,” he warned.
The commissioner further advised motorists and commuters to exercise caution when travelling along the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing it as a remote route that has recently witnessed increased criminal activity.
“The road has become a hotspot for criminal operations. However, we want residents to know that the command remains fully prepared and committed to securing every part of the state,” he said.
Orutugu expressed confidence that security operatives would achieve a major breakthrough in the investigation within the next 48 hours.
The attack adds to the growing number of security personnel lost in the line of duty. It comes only weeks after 17 police officers undergoing specialised training were killed during a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to restore confidence and strengthen security across Anambra State.
