The Anambra State Police Command has initiated an extensive search operation for armed insurgents who infiltrated the state from a neighbouring region, resulting in the tragic killing of two police personnel on the evening of December 28, 2023, at approximately 18:30 hours (6:30 p.m.).
In an official statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said the assailants, donned in military attire and seemingly embarked on a kidnapping mission, encountered two armed police officers advancing towards their location. In response, the gang opened fire on the officers, who were leading a convoy tasked with alleviating traffic congestion. Swiftly, additional personnel engaged in gunfire, prioritizing the safety of numerous motorists caught in the traffic, compelling the assailants to hastily retreat.
A mobile Forward Operating Base, under the command of the police, which had been actively patrolling the area during the Christmas celebrations, promptly responded to the incident. The recovery of a Lexus SUV utilized by the gang, the defusal of an improvised explosive device discovered in the vehicle, and the retrieval of an AK-47 RIFLE belonging to one of the deceased officers marked key achievements at the scene.
Commending the relentless and courageous efforts of the personnel in securing the citizens of Anambra State, Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, declared the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all officers and personnel in the command. While expressing condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the Enugu State Police Command, CP Adeoye assured that the sacrifices made by the personnel would not be in vain.
Encouraging the Anambra State Police Force to draw inspiration from the bravery displayed by their counterparts from the Enugu State Command, the Commissioner urged them not to be demoralized by the unfortunate incident. He emphasized the commitment to employing technological resources to track down the criminals responsible for the attack on police personnel.
In light of the incident, Commissioner Adeoye called on all officers and personnel of the Anambra State Police Command to intensify their efforts and remain vigilant. He reassured the public that advanced technology would be harnessed to identify and apprehend those responsible for the assault.
Ikenga, conveyed the Commissioner’s condolences to the families of the deceased officers and urged the citizens of Anambra State not to succumb to fear but to continue with their planned activities for the festive season.
