A coordinated armed attack on a joint police patrol team caused tension on Wednesday along the Abatete–Eziowelle Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, South East Nigeria, after unidentified gunmen ambushed security operatives on routine surveillance duty. Okay News reports.
Residents in the area reported that the sudden eruption of gunfire sent people running for safety as police personnel engaged the armed group in a prolonged shootout. The attackers also set ablaze a patrol vehicle during the confrontation, leaving one law enforcement officer injured.
An eyewitness narrated that the ambush occurred while officers attached to the Department of Operations of the Anambra State Police Command, headquartered in Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad were carrying out routine monitoring activities along the stretch of road.
The witness said, “The gunmen, who were heavily armed, ambushed the patrol operatives from the Department of Operations, State Headquarters, Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad while they were on routine surveillance along the axis.
“The attackers operated in a convoy of vehicles, including a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus Three Hundred And Fifty Sports Utility Vehicle, and a white Toyota Highlander, all bearing unidentified registration numbers. They dressed in full military and police-like uniforms to carry out the attack.
“They opened heavy fire on the patrol teams, prompting a fierce exchange. The intense gun duel forced the assailants to retreat after several minutes.”
According to field reports obtained by this newsroom, the patrol bus belonging to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad was heavily damaged by bullets and later set ablaze. The Department of Operations patrol pickup truck was also riddled with bullet holes before the attackers fled the scene.
Videos circulated on social media platforms show the burning vehicle while civilians scrambled to escape the escalating violence.
Okay News reports that security personnel worked swiftly to restore safety in the affected location.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the confrontation in an official statement issued on Wednesday. He explained that officers on patrol intercepted an armed group moving in a three-vehicle convoy.
Ikenga stated, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that an armed group, operating in a convoy of three vehicles, was intercepted by police patrol teams along the Eziowelle axis earlier today.
“The suspects engaged the patrol teams but were successfully repelled. No civilian casualties were recorded.
“Following the above, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, has ordered an immediate strengthening of security measures across the state. All police divisions, formations, and patrol units have been placed on heightened alert to ensure the safety of residents.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities, and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.”
The Police Command restated its commitment to protecting lives and property, emphasizing that officers will continue to work around the clock to prevent further security breaches across Anambra State.
This incident comes months after armed hoodlums engaged security forces at Oko and the Ekwulobia flyover on July 10, 2025, where two civilians were confirmed dead and several weapons were recovered at the scene.
