Armed assailants on Thursday attacked the convoy of former Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area, raising fresh concerns about security along major routes in the state.
According to Ngige’s former media aide, Sir Fred Chukwuelobe, the former governor was not present in the convoy at the time of the attack, averting what could have been a major tragedy. However, the incident left a policeman in the pilot car injured, and the assailants reportedly seized his firearm and uniform before fleeing the scene.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and gunfire, with the attackers allegedly dressed in police and army uniforms to confuse residents and security operatives.
A woman who had been recording the incident was fatally shot, while a shop owner who ran to investigate sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive. “No policeman was killed, and the escort leader who was shot has been operated upon and is expected to make a full recovery,” one witness said. “The shop owner was lucky as the bullets didn’t lodge in his spine.”
The pilot car assigned to the convoy was riddled with bullets during the attack, highlighting the audacity and firepower of the assailants. Locals expressed shock and fear, noting that the assailants’ use of official uniforms made it difficult for ordinary citizens to distinguish them from legitimate security personnel.
The incident has triggered widespread concern about the safety of highways in Anambra State, particularly for convoys of prominent figures and ordinary commuters alike.
In response to the attack, the Anambra State Police Command launched a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing armed hoodlums. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, confirmed that a white Mercedes-Benz SUV that had been snatched by the criminals during the attack was successfully recovered following a coordinated pursuit operation.
He reassured the public that the operatives were actively tracking the assailants and would continue their operations until the perpetrators are apprehended.
Ikenga explained that a combined team of police tactical operatives, including officers from the Operations Department in Awka, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Akwuzu, and the Special Anti-Cultism Unit (SPACS) in Enugu-Ukwu, engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun duel. The confrontation forced the assailants to abandon the stolen SUV and flee further, allowing security forces to regain control of the vehicle. The injured police officer has been stabilized and is currently receiving medical care.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the officers in the convoy were attached to Senator Chris Ngige, the former governor and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment. The recovered vehicle has been secured in police custody, and officials have confirmed that forensic examinations and further inquiries are ongoing. SP Ikenga emphasized that the operation was part of a larger coordinated state-wide effort to track and apprehend the criminals involved in the incident.
The assailants’ disguises in police and army uniforms underscore a growing tactic among criminals in the region to impersonate security personnel, creating confusion and facilitating armed robberies and other crimes. The audacity of the attack, which included targeting civilians and the convoy of a prominent political figure, has heightened concerns about organized crime along key transport routes in Anambra State and surrounding areas.
Residents in Nkpor and Nnobi have expressed anxiety over their safety, calling on security agencies to increase patrols and establish checkpoints along highways to prevent further attacks. Local authorities have urged vigilance, warning drivers and commuters to report any suspicious activity immediately. The attack has also reignited debates about the adequacy of security provisions for public officials versus the general public in the state.
Security analysts note that such incidents have implications not just for public safety but also for the perception of governance and law enforcement effectiveness. The targeting of a high-profile convoy, even in the absence of the principal, demonstrates the capability and planning of criminal groups, reinforcing the need for intelligence-led policing, tactical preparedness, and community collaboration to reduce highway crime.
As the police intensify their manhunt, the Anambra State Government and security agencies have pledged to ensure the safety of residents and political figures. Authorities are calling for calm while promising updates as investigations progress. The recovered vehicle, the ongoing medical care of victims, and the coordinated tactical response are being highlighted as proof of the state’s commitment to addressing rising insecurity and restoring public confidence in law enforcement operations.