Two suspected gunmen were shot dead on Thursday night after they attacked a police checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to reports, the assailants had taken cover in a nearby bush before launching an ambush on the checkpoint, resulting in a prolonged exchange of gunfire with security operatives.
The attack caused panic in the community, with residents fleeing to safety.
A local community leader confirmed that one police officer was fatally wounded during the confrontation, and an operational police vehicle was set ablaze by the attackers.
“The hoodlums arrived in large numbers and opened fire on the checkpoint.
The police responded immediately, and there was heavy shooting that lasted several hours,” the source said.
Though the total number of casualties remains unclear, some of the attackers reportedly abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the joint security team successfully repelled the assault, killing two of the assailants.
“Unfortunately, one officer was lost, and a police vehicle was burnt. However, our men overpowered the attackers, forcing them to abandon a Toyota Sienna van and escape,” Ikenga said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the attack and vowed to intensify efforts to eliminate criminal elements in the state.
Ikenga also noted that normalcy had been restored and additional security personnel deployed to the area.