Police smash gang behind Ngige convoy attack, gun down two

The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a criminal gang linked to the attack on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, killing two suspects during a fierce gun battle.

Police described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime in the state.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush on a five-man gang at Enugwu Agidi junction.

According to him, the suspects, believed to be armed robbers and cultists with links to a proscribed secessionist group, opened fire on sighting the police, leading to a prolonged exchange that lasted about two hours.

“Two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the gun duel, while three others escaped with varying degrees of injuries,” Ikenga said.

He disclosed that items recovered from the scene included one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted charms, a cult red beret, and a black Toyota Highlander.

Ikenga added that one of the suspects, before dying, confessed that the gang carried out the attack on Senator Ngige’s convoy. The suspect also admitted belonging to the Vikings confraternity and said the operation was a retaliatory strike following the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group.

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, ordered an intensified manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

He also directed hospitals and medical facilities to report anyone presenting gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.