Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime, following a deadly confrontation with a criminal gang responsible for attacking the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.
Deadly Ambush and Intense Firefight
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation was carried out by the Rapid Response Squad based in Awkuzu. Acting on credible intelligence about the movement of a five-man gang, the police team laid an ambush at the Enugwu Agidi junction.
Ikenga stated that the suspects, described as a mix of armed robbers and cult members with alleged ties to a proscribed secessionist group, immediately opened fire upon sighting the police. This triggered a two-hour-long gun battle.
During the intense exchange, two of the armed suspects were fatally wounded by gunfire. The remaining three gang members managed to escape from the scene, but not without sustaining various gunshot injuries.
Weapons, Charms, and Confession Recovered
After the shootout, security forces combed the area and recovered a significant cache of items used for criminal operations. The recovered items include:
- One T.06 rifle
- Two pump action guns
- 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition
- 15 live cartridges
- Assorted criminal charms
- A red beret associated with cult activity
- A black Toyota Highlander vehicle used by the gang
In a crucial development, SP Ikenga disclosed that one of the fatally injured suspects confessed before his death. The suspect admitted his involvement in the attack on Senator Ngige's convoy and revealed that the gang operated as a strike unit of the Vikings confraternity. He further stated that their mission was retaliatory, following the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group.
Police Vow to Apprehend Fleeing Suspects
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the officers involved for their courage and professionalism. He has directed all tactical units in the state to intensify efforts to track down and arrest the three suspects who fled the scene.
In a related public advisory, CP Orutugu urged all medical facilities across Anambra State to promptly report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest police station. This move is aimed at helping to capture the injured escapees.
This operation, which took place recently, underscores the police command's stated resolve to protect residents and dismantle armed groups operating within Anambra State.
It is noteworthy that Senator Chris Ngige was recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on corruption charges. A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa, presided over by Justice Mariam Hassan, ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre on Friday, January 15, 2026.
