By Deborah Nnamdi
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered an intensified manhunt for suspected IPOB/ESN-linked criminal elements following a deadly attack on a police patrol team along Agbani Road, Enugu, which left two officers dead.
The attack occurred on the night of January 15, 2026, when armed assailants ambushed operatives of the Police Distress Response Squad (DRS) during a routine patrol. Police authorities said the gunmen opened fire on the officers without provocation, triggering a gun battle.
In a statement issued by the Command, CP Giwa said the operatives responded swiftly, forcing the attackers to flee with suspected gunshot injuries. However, during the exchange, the police operational vehicle was set ablaze and two officers sustained critical gunshot wounds.
The injured officers were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention but were later pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Describing the incident as a direct and unacceptable attack on law enforcement, the Commissioner directed tactical and intelligence units of the Command to deploy all available resources to track down the fleeing suspects.
“I have charged our operatives to leverage actionable intelligence and sustain the established trail to ensure that the assailants are arrested and brought to justice,” Giwa said.
The police also confirmed the recovery of a Lexus 330 Jeep allegedly snatched from its owner by the attackers and used during the operation. The vehicle was found riddled with bullet holes from the gunfight.
CP Giwa appealed to members of the public to assist the investigation by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects, assuring residents of the Command’s resolve to restore peace.
“We remain resolute and committed to ensuring that these subversive and violent criminal elements do not evade justice,” he said.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who reiterated the Command’s determination to bring the perpetrators to book and maintain law and order in the state.
