Unknown gunmen ambushed a mobile police patrol team in Enugu State, resulting in the tragic loss of two police officers.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 7:30 pm along the Udi-Ozalla Road during a routine patrol by the Operation Restore Peace Enugu team.

The fallen officers were identified as Danjuma Joseph, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, and Inspector Abu Elamaje.

Despite efforts to save their lives, they were rushed to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, where doctors on duty confirmed their untimely demise.

One officer, Inspector Udeme Udomeng, who sustained bullet wounds during the ambush, was fortunate to receive medical attention and has since been discharged.

The Enugu State Police Command, upon learning of the tragedy, swiftly mobilized tactical teams to reinforce the area for a cordon and search operation aimed at apprehending the assailants.
A police source stated, “MINE and other command tactical teams reinforced at the area of incident on a cordon and search operation for possible arrest of suspects. Further development shall be communicated.”

As of now, it remains unclear whether the gunmen responsible for this heinous act were the same kidnappers who have been causing unrest in various parts of the state or a different group of criminals.

This incident comes in the wake of heightened insecurity in the region, with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide expressing their outrage and disapproval of the rampant kidnappings in the state.

The apex Igbo group has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s security framework.

Efforts by our team to obtain a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls, and a text message sent to him remains unanswered at the time of this report.

This unfortunate incident follows closely on the heels of another attack in Imo State where approximately eight security operatives were ambushed and killed by gunmen.