Two police officers were killed by unknown gunmen in the Uruagu community of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday while the officers were on duty for an investigation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen launched a surprise attack on the police team, resulting in a fierce gunfight.
During the confrontation, the attackers threw an improvised explosive device at the police, which exploded and killed two officers on the spot.
“During the exchange of gunfire, the hoodlums tossed an IED at the operatives, and it detonated, killing two of them on the spot,” said a source at the scene.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are underway to track down the attackers. The spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that a manhunt had been launched.
“The Joint Security Force has launched a manhunt for the armed men responsible for the murder of two police operatives during an investigation operation early this morning, October 3, 2024, at Uruagu, Nnewi North,” SP Ikenga said.
He explained that the attackers opened fire as soon as they saw the police team, and then threw an IED into their vehicle, which led to the officers’ deaths and the destruction of the vehicle.
“We appeal to the public, particularly those who witnessed the incident, to support the police by providing information that could help in tracking down the criminals,” SP Ikenga urged.
He also shared contact details for the public to provide any useful information: the Command Control Room can be reached at 07039194332, or people can contact the Police Public Relations Officer at 08039334002.
He assured that all information provided would be treated with the highest confidentiality.
