Gunmen attack Police patrol in Anambra, set vehicle ablaze

Panic spread across parts of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday after unidentified gunmen ambushed a joint police patrol team along the Abatete–Eziowelle Road.

The attack triggered a heavy exchange of gunfire between the assailants and operatives from the Department of Operations (DOPS), State Headquarters, Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, who were on routine patrol in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, dressed in military and police-style uniforms, arrived in a convoy of vehicles, including a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus 350 SUV and a white Toyota Highlander, all without identifiable registration numbers.

They reportedly opened fire on the officers, injuring one policeman in the process.

During the gun duel, the patrol bus belonging to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad was struck repeatedly by bullets and later set ablaze, while a DOPS patrol pickup van was severely damaged. Videos circulating on social media show the burning vehicle as residents fled for safety.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, saying the officers successfully repelled the attackers.

He also noted that no civilian casualties were recorded.

“The suspects engaged the patrol teams but were successfully repelled. No civilian casualties were recorded,” he said.

Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered an immediate reinforcement of security across the state, directing all divisions and patrol units to remain on high alert.
He urged residents to stay calm and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through the command’s emergency lines.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and assured that efforts were ongoing to restore stability in the area.

Wednesday’s attack comes months after a similar incident on July 10, 2025, when two civilians were killed during a confrontation between security operatives and armed criminals at Oko and the Ekwulobia flyover.
A security vehicle belonging to the Anambra Vigilante Group was burnt, while an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun and four vehicles were recovered from the scene.

In that earlier incident, gunmen invaded the area in the morning, shooting indiscriminately and dispossessing residents of their valuables before being repelled by a combined security team led by the police.