Tension gripped Isuofia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday evening as unidentified gunmen launched a brazen assault on a joint security checkpoint, killing one security operative and setting an operational vehicle ablaze.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the chilling incident in a statement issued Friday by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. According to Ikenga, the attackers stormed the checkpoint in a coordinated ambush, but were swiftly met with fierce resistance from the alert joint security team stationed at the scene.
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the attackers suffered heavy losses. Two of the assailants were fatally shot by the security team, forcing the rest to retreat into the surrounding bushes. In their haste to escape, they abandoned one of their operational vehicles — a Toyota Sienna — which has since been recovered by the police.
“The attack was repelled with precision and courage,” Ikenga stated. “Two of the miscreants were neutralised during the gun duel, and calm has since been restored to the area.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as an affront not just to law enforcement but to the collective will of the people of Anambra State. He praised the gallantry of the security operatives who stood their ground and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to crushing criminal elements operating in the state.
“This unpatriotic act is a direct challenge to the unity and resilience of Ndi Anambra and their security allies,” CP Orutugu declared. “Let it be known that we are not intimidated. We remain resolute and will not rest until every perpetrator of this heinous act is brought to justice.”
In the wake of the attack, a heavy deployment of tactical teams has been sent to comb the area, while an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gunmen.
SP Ikenga assured residents that normalcy has been restored and the Command remains vigilant, urging the public to remain calm but alert, and to report any suspicious movement to security agencies.
He further added that detailed updates would follow as investigations progress and security operations intensify.
PIONEER NEWS 