The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a full-scale manhunt for gunmen responsible for the killing of two police officers and two civilians in Ndiukwuenu community, Orumba North Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road, targeted the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Chief Ben Nwankwo, who narrowly escaped the ambush.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the crime scene on Monday, the CP led a joint security team comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Anambra State Police Command, and the Agunechemba Security Squad.
He reassured residents of intensified efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Orutugu confirmed that the death toll from the attack had risen to four, including two police officers and two civilians.
He also announced the deployment of specialised forensic assets to support investigations and track down those responsible.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, the police chief urged community leaders to improve cooperation with security agencies.
He specifically reprimanded local authorities for allegedly failing to promptly report suspicious activities.
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“We have initiated a full-scale manhunt and deployed all necessary resources to ensure those behind this attack are apprehended and prosecuted,” Orutugu stated.
Security operatives revealed that the attackers are believed to operate from Awka, the state capital, using a white jeep to carry out swift, guerrilla-style attacks on nearby communities before retreating.
The Publicity Secretary of the Agunechemba Security Squad, Nweke Nweke, confirmed that ongoing surveillance and intelligence gathering are yielding results.
He noted that increased security pressure in Awka may have forced the criminals to target surrounding areas.
Joint patrol operations have since been intensified, while local residents have been encouraged to provide useful information to aid investigations.
Authorities also confirmed the arrest of one suspect found dressed in police camouflage during a combing operation in the area.
Security presence has been reinforced across major flashpoints, as efforts continue to dismantle the network behind the deadly assault.
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