Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the apprehension of two suspects connected to the assault on officials from the Consulate of the United States of America and their police escorts in the state. Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, announced the arrests during a press conference held on Thursday. The joint operation involved police tactical teams, Nigerian Army troops, and the Nigerian Navy, who raided a camp in the Ugwuaneocha community in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
The camp, believed to be a hideout for members of the Eastern Security Network and Indigenous People of Biafra, was found deserted upon the arrival of the security forces. The attack, which occurred between 12 pm and 2 pm on May 16, targeted a convoy consisting of five staff members from the US consulate office and four police officers. The police officers involved were identified as Inspectors Bukar Adams, Friday Morgan, Adam Andrew, and Emmanuel Lupata.
According to Commissioner Echeng, the Anambra State Police Command received information about the incident around 2:30 pm, prompting the immediate deployment of a joint security team to the area. The team engaged the assailants in a shootout upon reaching the scene, but the attackers managed to escape into a nearby forest. On May 17, a subsequent operation led to the raid of the suspected assailants’ camp, which had already been abandoned.
Echeng revealed that two individuals of interest were apprehended and were cooperating with the ongoing police investigation. Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of seven people, including three consulate officials and four Mobile Police escorts. The identities of the deceased were disclosed as Jefferson Obayuwane (a retired DSS personnel), Sunday Prince Ubong, Ekene Nweke, Hassan Etila, Avwuvie Kaye Monday, and two consulate officials who remain missing. The joint security team also discovered the burnt-out remains of the convoy vehicles at the scene.
The Commissioner confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been recovered and taken to a morgue. The Anambra State Police Command, along with other security agencies and the state government, intensified efforts to locate and rescue the missing officials. Echeng appealed to the public for any information that could assist in identifying and locating the perpetrators of the attack.
Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and the US Consulate, Echeng stated, “On behalf of the Anambra State Police Command, I wish to seize this opportunity to condole the families and friends of the deceased persons as well as the USA Consul over this tragic incident.” Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, also reaffirmed the commitment of the government to maintaining law and order.
The arrests of the two suspects provide a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the attack on the US convoy in Anambra. The collaborative efforts of the security forces demonstrate their determination to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the state. As the investigation continues, the authorities encourage the public to assist with any information that could aid in identifying and locating the remaining individuals involved in the assault.