Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has issued a 48-hour marching order to all formations and operational units of the state command to fish out the killers of two police officers and the attackers of the convoy of Hon. Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo. The attack occurred last Sunday.
Details of the Attack
Investigation revealed that gunmen ambushed the convoy and other travelers along the Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma road. They opened fire on the convoy, prompting security personnel attached to the governor's aide to return fire. However, two security personnel lost their lives, while others were wounded. The Chief of Staff narrowly escaped death. A tricycle operator who witnessed the incident captured a viral video showing the scene and the lifeless bodies of the two police officers on the road.
CP's Directive
Confirming the horrific incident, CP Orutugu revealed that the Chief of Staff had attended a function on behalf of the governor and was returning to Awka when the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. last Sunday. During an emergency security meeting with senior police officers and heads of operations at the command headquarters, the CP stressed that such an attack on security personnel would not be tolerated under his leadership.
“I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them,” he said.
Operation Fish Them Out
According to the CP, the slain officers must get justice, adding that he cannot remain silent while police personnel continue to lose their lives at the hands of criminals. “I hereby declare ‘Operation Fish Them Out.’ Criminals cannot continue to take advantage of the night to unleash violence in the state. This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he ordered.
Public Warning
The CP called on members of the public to be vigilant and cautious of individuals posing as security personnel at checkpoints. He stressed that investigations had revealed that some criminal elements now operate while dressed in police and military uniforms. “The general public is hereby advised to be vigilant concerning persons operating at various checkpoints, as some miscreants now wear security uniforms while carrying out criminal activities,” he said.
The CP further cautioned motorists and commuters to exercise restraint while traveling along the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing it as “a lonely stretch that has recently become a haven for criminal activities.” He added, “The Amansea–Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements.”
Reassurance to Residents
CP Orutugu reassured residents that the command remains committed, prepared, and battle-ready to guarantee the safety of lives and property across Anambra State. He expressed confidence that significant breakthroughs would be achieved within the next 48 hours.
