AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE – Two police officers are feared dead following an armed attack on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, along the Amansea–Ufuma Road in Anambra State.
The convoy attack, which reportedly occurred on Sunday night, left the senior government official unharmed, while sparking renewed security concerns over rising violent incidents on highways within the state.
Dr. Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, was said to have escaped the attack unhurt as armed assailants opened fire on the convoy, leading to a fierce exchange that resulted in casualties among police escorts.
Security Response And 48-Hour Ultimatum
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to police formations and tactical units across the state to identify, track, and arrest those responsible for the attack.
Speaking during an emergency security meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, the police commissioner described the incident as a direct attack on the authority of the state and vowed that it would not go unpunished.
He directed security operatives to intensify intelligence-led operations and ensure swift arrests of the perpetrators, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.
According to him, the command will not tolerate further attacks by criminal elements operating in parts of the state under the cover of darkness.
Rising Security Concerns
The police chief raised concerns over emerging tactics used by armed groups, noting that intelligence reports suggest that some attackers now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to evade detection.
He urged residents and motorists to exercise caution, particularly when travelling along vulnerable routes such as the Amansea–Ufuma corridor, which he described as increasingly dangerous due to repeated ambush incidents.
The commissioner warned that the road has become a hotspot for criminal activity, advising commuters to remain vigilant while security agencies intensify patrols.
Search Operations Underway
Police authorities confirmed that intelligence-led operations have already commenced across the affected areas, with confidence expressed that the perpetrators will be apprehended within the 48-hour deadline issued by the command.
Security operatives have also intensified surveillance and road patrols in an effort to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence in the safety of the route.
Authorities assured residents that efforts are ongoing to bring the situation under control and ensure the protection of lives and property across Anambra State.
Outlook
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of southeastern Nigeria, particularly along isolated highways where armed groups have continued to target security convoys and civilians.
Residents have been urged to remain alert as investigations continue and security agencies intensify efforts to track down those behind the attack.
