The Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested 13 suspects following an ambush attack on police officers in Akpakume community, Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, announced the development in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.
He explained that the officers had visited the area on Monday to apprehend individuals linked to a case involving conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and suspected cult-related activity.
“Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in the early hours of November 3, arrested thirteen male suspects and recovered a locally made single-barrelled gun at Akpakume community,” Ndukwe said.
He stated that the suspects, along with others, allegedly laid an ambush and opened fire on police personnel, injuring some officers and damaging their operational vehicle.
“The operatives swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing many of the criminal elements to flee with gunshot injuries. One locally made single-barrelled gun was recovered during the arrest,” he added.
The police spokesperson said preliminary findings revealed that the attack was linked to an ongoing intra-communal conflict in the area.
He also disclosed that the gunfire shattered the headlamp of the operational vehicle and damaged nearby property.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, visited the community on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment. During the visit, officers observed that houses, shops, crops and livestock belonging to residents had been destroyed.
“The Commissioner has ordered an intensified manhunt for the fleeing suspects and assures that the Command will ensure all those responsible are brought to justice,” Ndukwe stated.
He urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities, assuring that security operatives were working to restore peace in the area.
