UPDATE: Police confirm attack in Anambra police station

THE Anambra State police command has confirmed the death of four policemen during the attack at the Awada police station in Idemili North local government area of the state.

In a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga said three members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN, were also killed during the operation.

Ikenga’s statement read: “Today 20/02/2023 at about 02:20 am,  gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN, attacked Awada Police Station in Idemilli North LGA of Anambra State using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and automatic firearms. 

“In response to the attack, police operatives attached to Anambra State Command engaged the assailants jointly with troops from 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigeria Army in a gun duel and three members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN were fatally wounded while three Kalashnikov rifles and one Automatic Pump Action gun were recovered from them.  

“Other items recovered from the assailants include a brown Lexus 330 with reg no. GWA 415BB ABJ, one unregistered KYMCO motorcycle suspected to be stolen properties, charms and other incriminating items. 

“During a mop-up operation by police/military operatives, two male suspects reasonably believed to have participated in the attack were apprehended. 

“Regrettably, four police operatives paid the supreme price while a section of the station, one police patrol vehicle and three exhibit vehicles parked in the premises were set ablaze by petrol bombs thrown into the station by the assailants. “

According to the PPRO, the state Commissioner of Police, Echeng E. Echeng has already visited the scene, adding that after conducting spot assessments, he ordered the immediate deployment of all the command’s operational/investigative assets to track down fleeing members of the murderous gang. 

He said that the CP has appealed to residents of Awada and the people of Anambra State to remain calm as the police, in collaboration with sister agencies, would not rest on their oars until the criminal elements tormenting the state were brought to justice.