The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen who ambushed and killed two police officers along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, has prompted the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, to order an intensified operation to track down those responsible, declaring a special security crackdown tagged “Operation Fish Them Out.”
Police said the officers were returning from an assignment when armed men opened fire on their convoy. The attackers reportedly struck from a nearby bush, triggering a gun battle that lasted several minutes and left two officers dead.
The convoy was said to be linked to Anambra State Governor’s Chief of Staff, Ben Nwankwo, who had attended an event on behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and was travelling back to Awka at the time of the incident.
While Mr Nwankwo reportedly escaped unharmed, some civilians travelling in the entourage sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
Speaking after an emergency security meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, Mr Orutugu confirmed the attack and vowed that those behind it would be brought to justice.
“A team of police officers was returning from an assignment when they were ambushed by armed men who opened fire on them. In the process, we lost two officers,” he said.
The police commissioner said investigators had already begun tracking the assailants and directed commanders across the state to intensify efforts to apprehend them.
“I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
“The slain officers must get justice. We cannot remain silent while police personnel continue to lose their lives at the hands of criminals,” he added.
A tricycle rider who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting said he abandoned his vehicle after hearing gunfire along the road.
“I was returning from a journey when I suddenly heard gunshots. I abandoned my tricycle and turned back for safety,” he said.
“After the shooting subsided, I resumed my journey and discovered that two police officers had been gunned down and were lying lifeless on the road.”
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the bodies of the slain officers beside a police patrol vehicle.
Mr Orutugu urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that criminal groups have increasingly been disguising themselves in security uniforms to carry out attacks.
“The general public is hereby advised to be vigilant concerning persons operating at various checkpoints, as some miscreants now wear security uniforms while carrying out criminal activities,” he said.
He also advised motorists to exercise caution along the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing the route as an isolated corridor that has recently witnessed increased criminal activity.
“However, we reassure residents that the command remains committed, prepared, and battle-ready to guarantee the safety of lives and property across Anambra State.”
The commissioner expressed confidence that investigators would make significant progress within 48 hours.
The latest attack comes less than a month after 17 police officers were killed during a terrorist assault on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, highlighting growing concerns over attacks targeting security personnel across Nigeria.
