Two police officers attached to the Anambra State Police Command have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked a patrol team along the Awa–Ndiukwuenu–Ufuma Road in Anambra State.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, has raised fresh security concerns in a state that had witnessed months of relative calm following intensified operations against violent criminal groups and armed separatist-linked gangs.
Sources said the assailants intercepted the police patrol team and opened fire, killing at least two officers. Their bodies were reportedly left at the scene while a police patrol vehicle remained parked by the roadside.
A commercial tricycle operator who witnessed part of the incident recounted the terrifying moments during the attack, saying he was travelling along the route when he suddenly heard gunshots ahead.
According to him, the sound of gunfire forced him to abandon his tricycle and flee into a nearby bush for safety.
In a voice note circulated after the incident, the witness said:
“After sometime, I came out of the bush and retrieved my Keke and continued my journey, then I got to the spot where the thing happened.
“Two policemen are lying on the road here, and their police van is parked by the road side. I decided to make this voice note to post on the platform because I think one of the policemen is still alive, so that anyone who knows police authorities will tell them to go and save their members.”
Confirming the attack, the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described the loss of the officers as painful and tragic.
“Yes, it’s true, two of our officers paid the supreme price while trying to keep us all safe and this is very painful for us as a Command and to their families,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson, however, assured residents that the command remains in control of the situation and is taking necessary steps to address the security breach.
According to him, the incident serves as a reminder that security agencies must continue to intensify efforts to sustain the gains already recorded in the state.
“This is a reminder that we need to put in more efforts and the dark days aren’t completely over,” he stated.
“The Command has been making tremendous progress in keeping the state safe and we urge everyone to remain calm as further update will be provided.”
The latest attack comes amid ongoing security operations across Anambra State aimed at tackling armed criminal gangs and restoring lasting peace in areas previously troubled by violent attacks.
