The Nigeria Police has launched manhunt on gunmen who executed a coordinated attack on the Umunze Police Station in in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, using explosives and firearms to set the facility on fire, killing two policemen.
The Anambra State Police Command, in a statement on Monday, blamed the attack on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) armed wing, said it occurred in the early hours of September 16, 2024.
The Police stated that the Joint Security Forces, comprising the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and other agencies, have recovered five unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Already, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. During his visit, he reassured the public of ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and emphasized the need for heightened security measures in the area.
“We are actively pursuing all leads to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice,” CP Itam said. “We encourage anyone with credible information that could assist in our investigation to come forward. All details shared will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
Meanwhile, a comprehensive manhunt and clearance operation are underway, with security forces targeting identified criminal camps in the vicinity. The recovery of the unexploded IEDs is seen as a significant step in preventing further attacks, as authorities remain on high alert.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anmabra Police Spokesperson, confirmed the joint efforts of the security forces in an official statement, commending their swift response.
“Our combined security forces have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our communities. The recovery of these devices is a testament to their dedication,” Ikenga said.
The situation remains fluid as the investigation continues, and residents of Umunze and surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The security forces have reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and order in the State.
Umunze has been an epicentre of killings of military and other security operatives by “Unknown Gunmen’ who are operating as offshoot of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’s Eastern Security Network (ESN). The sprawling town has borders with communities in Imo and Abia States where these gunmen operate as independent franchise who proclaim Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader, as inspiration.
In May last year, three policemen were killed when they attacked a Police checkpoint in the community.
In November 2022, gunmen gunned down four soldiers and two other security operatives near the Nkwo Market at Umunze.
On a day of rampage in February 2022, gunmen struck in Umunze and three other adjoining communities of Umuchu, Nkpologwu and Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, killing one person in each community.