The Anambra State Police Command has revealed that significant progress has been made in investigating the attack on two US Consulate officials in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Bellnewsonline.com reports that two individuals have been apprehended following a raid on a camp occupied by hoodlums, according to the state police commissioner, CP Echeng Echeng.
During a press conference in Awka, CP Echeng shared details of the operation, explaining that the police swiftly responded to the attack after receiving information.
He said: “As you are probably aware, a team of officials from the Lagos Consulate of the United States of America and their police escorts (USA) were ambushed on 16/05/2023.
“Consequently, a joint team of Mobile Policemen and troops of the Nigerian Navy stationed in Onitsha was immediately deployed to the area. Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, the joint security team sighted and engaged the assailants in a shot-out, but they escaped through a nearby forest.
“Yesterday – 17/05/2023, joint security forces comprising police tactical teams from the command and troops of the Nigerian Army as well as the Nigerian Navy raided a camp in Ogwuaniocha community of Ogbaru LGA, which was suspected to be the hideout of the assailants, but discovered that it had been deserted. Two persons of interest were arrested and they currently assisting the police in the investigation. The criminal camp was razed down by the joint security team.”
The Police also revealed that the arrested individuals are being closely monitored, with their phone conversations being traced to gather more information. CP Echeng expressed confidence that the command is gradually closing in on the killers responsible for the attack.
He stated: “The preliminary investigation conducted by the command, following the incident, revealed that five male officials of the USA consulate and four armed Mobile Police escorted from Lagos on a mission to assess the impact of erosion in Ogbaru LGA were travelling in a convoy of two vehicles when they suddenly came under attack by armed men who targeted them with gunfire and set their vehicles ablaze.”
When questioned about the cooperation received from the US government, CP Echeng confirmed that the US embassy has been helpful, providing the command with necessary information regarding the officials and their mission in Anambra.
He emphasized that now is not the time to assign blame regarding whether the officials sought security clearance from the command before their arrival.
CP Echeng shared further details about the incident, revealing the identities of the officials involved. Tragically, seven individuals, including three consulate officials and four Mobile Police escorts, lost their lives during the attack. Two consulate officials are still missing. The deceased police officers were identified as Inspr. Bukar Adams, Inspr. Friday Morgan, Inspr. Adam Andrew, and Inspr. Emmanuel Lupata, all from Squadron 23, Police Mobile Force, Lagos. No US citizens were among the casualties.