A security delegation from the Embassy of the United States (U.S.) has visited the Navy Base in Onitsha, Anambra State following the May 16 attack on the US convoy in the Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
During the visit to the Naval Out Post (NOP) Onitsha, the U.S. delegation hailed the Nigerian Navy for the the rescue of the two staff members of the embassy abducted during the attack.
Three US officials and four policemen from the Lagos Consulate of the U.S. were ambushed and killed on May 16 between 12:00hours and 14:00hours, along Atani/Osamala road. Specifically, the Consulate vehicle was attacked and set ablaze near St. Patrick’s Farms along Umunankwo–Osomala road in Ogbaru LGA.
Anambra State Police Command said that the ambush and attack was carried out by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sources confirmed that the delegation was led by Mr Jim Suor, the regional security officer at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.
According to the source: “The US delegation paid a courtesy visit on the Commander of the base, Navy Captain G Osuobeni on Saturday, May 20, 2023 to appreciate the efforts of the Nigeria Navy for their response to the distress call and rescue of the 2 kidnapped US Embassy staff.
“The head of the US team stated that the US Government is highly appreciative of the efforts of security agencies in Anambra state particularly the efforts and supports of the Nigerian Navy.”