Anambra State witnessed a violent attack as gunmen killed three policemen and burned their vehicle. Learn more about the details and responses to the incident.

Suspected gunmen killed three police officers and set their vehicle ablaze in a shootout in Nnewi, Anambra state.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, October 3.

State police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the deaths of two police officers, but local residents reported that three police officers were killed.

Residents said gunmen burned the car after killing the police officers.

Nnewi and surrounding areas have faced a surge in violence in the past year, including murders and kidnappings. The police are actively working to address security challenges in the area.

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In a statement issued in Awka on Thursday, Superintendent Ikenga disclosed that the Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with the Joint Security Force (JSF), has commenced a manhunt for those responsible for the attack.

The authorities vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice as part of ongoing efforts to restore security in the troubled area.

He said: “The Joint Security Force has commenced a manhunt for the gunmen who killed two policemen during a search operation in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area in the early hours of today.

“Preliminary information indicates that the gunmen opened fire sporadically on seeing the policemen and threw improvised explosive devices into their vehicles.

“Unfortunately, two of our police officers had to pay the ultimate price when their vehicle caught fire.

“In view of the above, the Command appeals to the public, particularly witnesses and others, to assist the ongoing police operation in the area.”