The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a significant victory in its fight against crime, announcing the arrest of a criminal gang responsible for a recent attack on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige. Two suspects were killed during a fierce gun battle with police operatives.
Major Operational Breakthrough in Anambra
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, the command described the operation as a major breakthrough. This success is part of the ongoing efforts to rid Anambra State of dangerous criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property for all residents.
Ambush and Intense Fire Exchange
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu acted on credible intelligence. They laid a successful ambush for a five-man gang at the Enugwu Agidi junction.
Ikenga stated that the suspects, believed to be armed robbers and cultists with links to a proscribed secessionist group, immediately opened fire on the police team upon sighting them. A gun battle ensued, lasting approximately two hours.
"During the exchange, which lasted about two hours, two of the armed suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while three others escaped with varying degrees of injuries," the PPRO confirmed.
Recovered Items and Suspect Confession
The police operatives recovered a significant arsenal from the scene. The items included:
- One T.06 rifle
- Two pump-action guns
- 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition
- 15 live cartridges
- Assorted criminal charms
- A cult red beret
- A black Toyota Highlander vehicle
In a crucial development, SP Ikenga disclosed that one of the fatally injured suspects confessed before dying. The suspect admitted that the gang was involved in the earlier attack on Senator Ngige's convoy. He also revealed that he was part of the strike squad of the Vikings confraternity. The gang was allegedly on a retaliatory mission following the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group.
Police Commendation and Further Directives
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the RRS operatives for their gallantry and professionalism during the dangerous operation. He has directed them to intensify efforts to track down and arrest the three suspects who fled the scene.
CP Orutugu also issued an important directive to all hospitals and medical facilities in the state. He urged them to treat individuals presenting with gunshot injuries but to promptly report such cases to the nearest police station. This measure is intended to help apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent them from receiving medical aid without police knowledge.
This operation marks a decisive step by the Anambra Police Command in tackling violent crime and cult-related violence, sending a strong message to criminal elements operating within the state.
