GUNMEN AMBUSH POLICE PATROL IN ANAMBRA, SET VEHICLE ABLAZE, INJURE OFFICER
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
A joint police patrol team was attacked by yet-to-be-identified armed assailants on Wednesday along the Abatete–Eziowelle Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, causing panic among residents.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, dressed in full military and police-style uniforms, ambushed officers from the Department of Operations (DOPS), Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad while they were on routine surveillance.
The gunmen reportedly operated in a convoy of three vehicles a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus 350 SUV, and a white Toyota Highlander all without identifiable registration numbers.
“They opened heavy fire on the patrol teams, prompting a fierce gun duel that lasted several minutes before the attackers retreated,” an eyewitness said.
During the exchange, a patrol bus belonging to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad was hit by gunfire and set ablaze. The DOPS patrol pickup van was also damaged by bullets. One police officer was said to have sustained injuries, while no civilian casualties were reported.
Videos circulating on social media showed the flaming vehicle as residents scrambled for safety.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers successfully repelled the attack.
“The suspects engaged the patrol teams but were successfully repelled. No civilian casualties were recorded,” he said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate reinforcement of security measures across the state, placing all divisions and patrol units on heightened alert.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and promptly report suspicious individuals or movements to the police.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace in the state.
This incident adds to a series of recent security challenges in the region. On July 10, 2025, two civilians were killed during a similar confrontation between security forces and armed hoodlums at Oko and the Ekwulobia flyover, during which a vigilante vehicle was also set ablaze.
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