Anambra State Police in Panic as Unknown Gunmen Escalate Attacks

 

Anambra State is currently experiencing a surge in violent attacks against security operatives, with unknown gunmen intensifying their assaults on police officers. These attackers, who are believed to be masquerading as secessionists, have escalated their operations, resulting in multiple casualties among the police force and the gunmen themselves.

Series of Deadly Attacks on Police Officers

Recent incidents in Nnewi and Nnobi have underscored the severity of these attacks. Two weeks ago, gunmen launched a violent assault on a police checkpoint in Nnewi, killing one officer and injuring another with an improvised explosive device. The attack occurred at approximately 9 a.m., and despite police efforts to repel the assailants, the situation quickly escalated, leaving one officer fatally wounded.

Just a week later, another brutal attack took place at a police checkpoint in Nnobi, located in Idemili South Local Government Area. This latest assault happened around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, near the Nnobi Police Headquarters. The gunmen engaged the police in a fierce gunfight that lasted about an hour, resulting in the death of another officer, identified only as Nwaibi, who was reportedly the driver of one of the police vehicles.

Hostile Tactics and Execution

The attackers employed a series of strategic and ruthless tactics during these assaults. Sources revealed that the gunmen took refuge in a nearby house owned by a local woman known as Mama Amanda. They forcibly entered the compound by breaking through a wall, coerced the residents into opening the gate, and seized their mobile phones before confining them to a room under threat of violence.

Eyewitnesses also reported that the gunmen captured a young man who was on an errand during the attack. The assailants were heavily armed, carrying sniper rifles, AK-47s, chains, and other weapons. The intense nature of these attacks has left the local police force demoralized and fearful.

Police Response and Ongoing Operations

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed these developments. In response to the first attack in Nnewi, the State Police Command's spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated, “The men were attacked at a checkpoint at Omata junction, in Uruagu community, along the Nnewi Oba road. A manhunt operation has commenced, led by the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Nnewi Area Command. The command is already working with the locals in the area to unmask and apprehend the attackers.”

Despite the ongoing manhunt, a second attack occurred shortly after, leading to further casualties. SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed, “It is true. One policeman was killed, and there is an operation going on in that area now, which the Commissioner of Police has ordered.”

Speculations and Allegations

The recent spate of attacks has fueled speculation that secessionist groups might be responsible. However, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied any involvement. In a statement released by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group clarified that its Eastern Security Network (ESN) was established to protect against Fulani herdsmen and not to confront Nigerian security forces. "ESN Operatives are not after the Nigerian Security Forces," the statement read. "The Nigerian government knows those who take responsibility for crimes committed in Biafraland, and those people are neither IPOB nor ESN."

Emma Powerful further accused Fulani herdsmen of perpetrating violence in Nigeria, including mass murders, abductions, and organ trafficking. The statement emphasized that IPOB remains a non-violent movement and that any attempt to associate them with the recent attacks is a deliberate strategy to tarnish their image.

Morale Among Anambra Police Officers

Sources within the Anambra State Police Command have disclosed that the relentless attacks have significantly impacted the morale of the police officers. One anonymous officer lamented, “The morale of our men in this command has never been this low. Our men now move in fear as they go out for duty. Worst is that there has not been any noticeable assurance to them about their own safety, or any form of incentive that can make them stake their lives when on their job. This is pitiable.”

Despite repeated attempts, the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has not provided any comments on the steps being taken by the new Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, to boost the morale of his officers or ensure their safety amidst these attacks.

Conclusion

The escalating violence in Anambra State poses a significant challenge for the Nigerian Police Force and the safety of its officers. The recent attacks underscore the urgent need for increased security measures and support for the police force to ensure they can effectively carry out their duties without fear. As the situation continues to unfold, the residents of Anambra State remain on edge, awaiting a resolution to the ongoing violence.

For more updates on the security situation in Anambra State and across Nigeria, stay tuned to Naija Newshawk.