Two police officers lost their lives during an investigative mission in the Uruagu area of Nnewi, located in the Nnewi-North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
This tragic incident occurred when a criminal gang launched a surprise attack on the officers.
The deceased officers were part of a police team dispatched early Thursday morning by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, to probe a reported crime in the region.
Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the fatal encounter in a statement, revealing that the gang ambushed the police investigation team.
Ikenga described the scene, stating, “Upon sighting the police operatives, the armed men began shooting sporadically and subsequently threw an improvised explosive device into their operational vehicle.” He expressed regret over the loss of two officers and the destruction of their vehicle, which was engulfed in flames.
The Anambra State Police spokesperson reported that CP Itam has already deployed a specialized unit to pursue the fleeing assailants. He urged the public, especially witnesses to the attack, to provide any helpful information that could assist in apprehending the culprits.
In the statement, Ikenga noted, “Joint security forces have initiated a manhunt for the armed individuals responsible for the murder of two police operatives during their investigative activities in the early hours of today, October 3, 2024, at Uruagu, Nnewi North.”
He further urged the community to support ongoing police operations, assuring confidentiality for those who come forward. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Command Control Room at 07039194332 or reach out to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at 08039334002 for any assistance.
