The Anambra State Police Command has initiated an extensive search for armed insurgents who crossed over from a neighboring state and fatally attacked two police personnel on December 28, 2023, at approximately 6:30 pm.
The assailants, disguised in military attire and seemingly on a kidnapping mission, encountered two armed police officers approaching their location. Upon sighting the officers, the gang opened fire. The officers, who had advanced ahead of the convoy they were escorting to ease traffic congestion, returned fire. Other personnel engaged in the exchange, ensuring the safety of many motorists caught in traffic, compelling the criminals to retreat.
A police-led mobile Forward Operating Base, actively patrolling the entire area during the Christmas celebrations, swiftly responded to the incident. They recovered the gang’s operational vehicle, a Lexus SUV, and successfully neutralized an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle. Additionally, an AK-47 RIFLE belonging to one of the slain officers was recovered.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed the incident. The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who had designated the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all officers and personnel in the Command, praised the tireless and courageous efforts of the personnel in securing the people of Anambra State. Despite the supreme sacrifice paid by their colleagues from the Enugu State Command, he urged them not to be demoralized but to draw inspiration from their bravery in confronting the criminal gang.
CP Adeoye expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the Enugu State Police Command, vowing that the sacrifices made would not be in vain. He urged all officers and personnel of the Anambra State Police Command to intensify their efforts and maintain vigilance. Assuring the use of technology to track down the criminals responsible for the attack on police personnel, the Commissioner encouraged the people of Anambra State not to succumb to fear but to continue with their planned activities for the festive season.
