Two police officers have been killed after armed men ambushed their patrol team along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma axis in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday night while the officers were returning from an official assignment.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who had positioned themselves in a nearby bush, opened fire on the patrol team as they approached the area, causing panic among residents and road users.
A tricycle operator who witnessed the incident, but requested anonymity, said he was travelling from Ezira when the shooting began.
“I was on my way back when I suddenly heard heavy gunfire. I abandoned my tricycle and ran for safety,” he said.
“After some time, I returned and got to the spot. I saw two police officers lying dead beside their vehicle.”
Videos circulating on social media showed the lifeless bodies of the officers near their patrol van, with blood stains visible at the scene, while onlookers called for urgent security intervention.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the attack as an ambush carried out by armed men targeting the returning officers.
He said the command had already launched investigations and intensified efforts to track down those responsible.
According to him, security operatives have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy.
The commissioner also warned residents and motorists to be cautious, especially when approaching unfamiliar or unverified checkpoints.
He advised that any suspicious checkpoint without clear police identification should be avoided and immediately reported to the nearest security formation.
The incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Anambra State, where attacks on security personnel have continued to raise alarm.