Suspected militants launched a coordinated assault on a joint police patrol team in Anambra State on Wednesday, resulting in a fierce gun duel, the injury of at least one officer, and the destruction of a police vehicle.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen burnt a patrol vehicle and injured one of the police officers.
One of the eyewitnesses said, “The gunmen, who were heavily armed, ambushed the patrol operatives from the Department of Operations, State Headquarters, Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad while they were on routine surveillance along the axis.
“The attackers operated in a convoy of vehicles, including a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus 350 SUV, and a white Toyota Highlander, all bearing unidentified registration numbers. They dressed in full military and police-like uniforms to carry out the attack.
“They opened heavy fire on the patrol teams, prompting a fierce exchange. The intense gun duel forced the assailants to retreat after several minutes.”
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a press statement, saying the suspects engaged the patrol teams but were successfully repelled.
The attack occurred along the Abatete–Eziowelle road in Idemili North Local Government Area, according to initial reports. The assailants, described as heavily armed and operating in a convoy of vehicles, opened fire indiscriminately on the joint police teams, which included personnel from the Department of Operations (DOPS) and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad.
During the intense exchange of fire, a patrol bus belonging to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad was struck by rounds and subsequently set ablaze. In the chaos, an officer, Insp. Udezike Kingsley, attached to the DOPS patrol team, sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg and had his AK-47 rifle stolen. Sources further indicate that another rifle was carted away by the militants who were described as wearing full military and police uniforms.
The security operatives’ swift response, however, forced the armed men to retreat.
Following the skirmish, the gunmen reportedly snatched a civilian’s Mercedes Benz SUV as they fled towards the Umuoji area, where they encountered two inspectors attached to former Anambra Governor, Senator Chris Ngige. An engagement at this second location forced the attackers to abandon the snatched SUV, which the police later recovered.
The police spokesman for the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has not yet released a formal statement on the total casualty figures but confirmed that the security forces successfully contained the assault.
The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at Crown Hospital, Nkpor, and is reported to be responding well. The police command has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing security operations. The attack is the latest in a series of security breaches targeting law enforcement and public facilities in the state.
