Two police officers attached to the Anambra State Police Command have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack by heavily armed gunmen on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Ben Nwankwo.
The incident occurred on Sunday night along the Ndiukwuenu–Amansea Road in Anambra State, where the convoy reportedly came under heavy gunfire from unidentified assailants.
According to reports, the gunmen suddenly opened fire on the convoy, prompting the security operatives attached to the Chief of Staff to engage the attackers in a fierce gun battle. A video recorded by a commercial tricycle operator who claimed to have witnessed the incident showed an abandoned Hilux vehicle at the scene, alongside the bodies of the fallen officers.
Confirming the development during an interview on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the officers were escorting the Chief of Staff when the attackers launched the assault.
He explained that the security personnel immediately responded to the attack, engaging the gunmen in a bid to protect the principal and other occupants of the convoy.
According to SP Ikenga, the officers demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism during the exchange of gunfire, ultimately ensuring the safe evacuation of the Chief of Staff and other members of the convoy.
“Two of our officers were fatally wounded while attempting to repel the attack on the convoy of the Chief of Staff. They paid the supreme sacrifice in the course of protecting the principal and ensuring that other members of the convoy escaped safely,” he stated.
The police spokesperson further revealed that security operatives have launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators. He noted that the area has been cordoned off as investigations and tactical operations continue to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
SP Ikenga also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
When asked whether the attack was an assassination attempt targeted specifically at the Chief of Staff, the police spokesperson dismissed such conclusions, describing the incident as a criminal attack rather than a premeditated assassination plot.
“For me, it was not an assassination attempt. It appears to be a case of criminals attacking a convoy. It was not necessarily because he was specifically targeted. It was more of a criminal attack on individuals moving along that route,” he explained.
The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and assured residents that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, investigations into the incident are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to restore confidence and maintain peace in the affected area.
