Suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), on Wednesday launched daring attacks on police patrol teams in Anambra State, injuring one officer and escaping with two service rifles.
The first assault occurred along the Abatete–Eziowelle road in Idemili North LGA, where heavily armed militants travelling in a convoy of three vehicles a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus 350 SUV, and a white Toyota Highlander ambushed joint teams from the Department of Operations (DOPS) and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad.
Dressed in full military and police camouflage, the attackers opened fire with general-purpose machine guns and AK-47 rifles.
Police returned fire in a prolonged shootout that left the Anti-Cultism Squad patrol bus in flames and a DOPS pickup riddled with bullets.During the chaos, one Type 06 rifle (Breech No. 10967) loaded with 35 rounds belonging to Insp.
Uduak Anthony of MOPOL 29 Awka slipped from his hand and was seized by the gunmen.As the militants fled toward Umuoji, they hijacked a Mercedes Benz SUV from a civilian motorist, Eze Tochukwu, from Enugu State.At Umuoji, the same group intercepted a private vehicle carrying two police inspectors attached to former Anambra Governor Senator Chris Ngige.
The officers, Insp. Eniobong Roberts (29 PMF Awka) and Insp. Udezike Kingsley (DOPS) — came under heavy gunfire.Insp. Udezike was shot in the left leg while taking cover, and his AK-47 rifle was taken. Insp. Roberts fought back, forcing the attackers to abandon the freshly stolen Mercedes Benz SUV before escaping.
The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at Crown Hospital, Nkpor, and is said to be responding well.
Anambra Police Command has launched a massive manhunt, with tactical units combing forests, hideouts, and escape routes to apprehend the gunmen and recover the two stolen rifles.
No group has officially claimed responsibility, but security sources attribute the sophisticated attack to IPOB/ESN elements enforcing the banned Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East.
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