Anambra CP Gives 48-Hour Ultimatum to Hunt Killers of Two Police Officers

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all formations and operational units of the Command to track down and arrest the gunmen responsible for the killing of two police officers during an ambush along the Amansea–Ufuma axis.

The attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, reportedly involved the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Charles Soludo, Chief Ben Nwankwo. Two police officers attached to the convoy were killed, while the Chief of Staff escaped unhurt.

The directive was issued on Monday during an emergency security meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, where senior officers and heads of operational units were briefed on the incident.

Addressing the officers, CP Orutugu described the attack as a direct assault on the authority of the state and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

“I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act,” the Commissioner said.

“I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them.”

The police commissioner also announced the commencement of “Operation Fish Them Out,” aimed at tracking down criminal elements operating within the state.

“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he added.

Orutugu stressed that the Command would not tolerate continued attacks on security personnel, noting that decisive action would be taken to ensure those behind the killings are apprehended.

He further raised concerns over intelligence reports indicating that some criminal elements now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to carry out illegal activities.

“The general public is hereby advised to be vigilant concerning persons operating at various checkpoints, as some miscreants now wear security uniforms while carrying out criminal activities,” he warned.

The commissioner also cautioned motorists and commuters using the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing the route as increasingly vulnerable to criminal attacks.

“The Amansea–Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said.

Despite the incident, Orutugu reassured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

He expressed confidence that ongoing intelligence-led operations would yield results within the stipulated timeframe and help restore normalcy in the affected area.

The Anambra State Police Command maintained that coordinated security operations are underway and assured residents that those responsible for the attack would be apprehended and prosecuted.