GUNMEN on Thursday launched a violent attack on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, shooting one police officer and forcibly stripping him of his uniform and rifle.
News Point Nigeria reports that Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, was not in the convoy at the time of the attack, his former media aide, Sir Fred Chukwuelobe, confirmed.
The armed attackers reportedly ambushed the security team, opened fire, and targeted the police escorts, injuring one officer before forcibly taking away his service rifle and uniform, a rare and daring affront to security operatives in the region.
The Anambra State Police Command has since launched a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing gunmen.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that a white Mercedes-Benz SUV earlier snatched by the attackers during their escape had already been recovered.
Ikenga said operatives from various tactical units—including the Operations Department in Awka, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Akwuzu, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu—immediately went into action when the armed gang first attacked a police patrol team at Eziowelle, along Umuoji Road.
While in pursuit, the tactical teams encountered Ngige’s convoy, which joined the chase. The combined forces engaged the gunmen in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to abandon the stolen SUV and flee under heavy fire.
“One police operative who sustained a minor gunshot injury is stable and currently receiving treatment at a medical facility,” Ikenga said.
He further confirmed that preliminary findings show the convoy involved in the engagement belonged to Senator Ngige.
The recovered vehicle has been taken into police custody as investigations intensify.
Ikenga assured the public that efforts to track down the assailants remain ongoing, and updates will be provided as the situation develops.
