Anambra Police Command Arrests Two Suspects For Burning Army Vehicle In Awka North
Two suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command for their alleged involvement in a violent attack on security personnel and the arson of a military vehicle in Enugwu-Agu village, located in Oba Ofemili, Awka North Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on April 13, 2025, is one of a series of escalating security threats challenging peace and stability in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
The suspects, identified as Uche Egwu (35) and Jindo Onyeka (32), were apprehended by the Rapid Response Squad based in Awkuzu. Their arrest followed an intensive manhunt and investigation initiated in response to the ambush and destruction of a Nigerian Army patrol vehicle. The attack was reportedly carried out by armed men who targeted a joint team of police, military personnel, and local community leaders. The motive of the attackers is still under investigation.
According to the official statement released by Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the attack as not just an assault on state security forces, but also as an affront to national sovereignty.
“This is not merely an attack on men in uniform,” CP Orutugu said. “It is an act aimed at intimidating the government and destabilising our communities. It is an attack on the soul of the nation.”
The CP added that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are widening the scope of the investigation to ensure all members of the criminal gang are brought to justice. “Our resolve has not wavered. We will pursue these criminals wherever they may be hiding. The arrest of these two suspects is only the beginning,” he asserted.
The statement from Ikenga further stressed the need for community cooperation and vigilance. He urged residents to report suspicious activities and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
The Enugwu-Agu incident is reminiscent of a similar assault that occurred in Isuofia, Agubata Local Government Area, a few weeks earlier. In that attack, gunmen launched a surprise offensive on a security checkpoint, resulting in the death of one operative and the incineration of a police vehicle. However, the swift response of a combined security team led to the neutralisation of two attackers and the recovery of a Toyota Sienna vehicle used in the operation.
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In recent years, southeastern Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing rise in violence targeting security formations. These attacks are often attributed to armed groups operating under various separatist and criminal banners. Analysts warn that these targeted assaults on security institutions are designed to undermine public trust in law enforcement and assert control over ungoverned territories.
Community leaders in Oba Ofemili have expressed concern over the growing insecurity and called for increased government presence. Elder Okwudili Nwafor, a traditional figure in the community, told local reporters: “Our people are scared. We need more protection. It is unfair for our children to grow up in fear, not knowing if soldiers or gunmen will be in their village tomorrow.”
The Anambra State Government has also weighed in, with Governor Charles Soludo reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for criminality. During a recent security briefing, he said: “We must take our communities back. These criminals cannot dictate the future of our state. They cannot and will not win.”
The Rapid Response Squad, credited with the arrests, is part of a broader initiative by the Anambra State Police Command to enhance tactical capabilities and reduce response time in emergency situations. Since its establishment, the unit has carried out multiple operations that have led to arrests, recovery of arms, and disruption of criminal cells.
CP Orutugu commended the unit for its diligence and urged other tactical squads within the command to emulate their operational efficiency. He also disclosed plans to invest in drone surveillance and mobile command posts to better manage threats across rural and forested areas.
Human rights groups and civil society organisations have cautiously welcomed the recent developments but have called for transparent prosecution and fair trials for the arrested suspects. “Accountability and justice must not be sacrificed in the name of security,” said Emeka Okoye, director of the Civil Rights Front. “We support law enforcement, but we also insist on the rule of law.”
As Anambra continues to grapple with the security challenges, public opinion is increasingly favouring stronger civilian-military collaboration, grassroots intelligence networks, and sustained government investment in youth empowerment and job creation as a strategy to drain the recruitment pools for criminal gangs.
Meanwhile, the arrested suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged in court after the conclusion of investigations. DSP Ikenga confirmed that further details would be made public as new findings emerge.
The people of Enugwu-Agu and the wider Awka North LGA remain vigilant, hoping that the arrests mark a turning point in the fight against violence in the region.
