The convoy of former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, was attacked along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Sir Fred Chukwuelobe, former media aide to Ngige, confirmed the incident, noting that Ngige, also a former governor, was not in the convoy at the time of the attack.
The assailants reportedly shot a policeman attached to the convoy and took away his gun and uniform.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing armed hoodlums.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a white Mercedes-Benz SUV, earlier snatched by armed criminals, has been successfully recovered following a coordinated police response during a pursuit operation.
“A combined team of Police Tactical Operatives from the Operations Department Awka, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Akwuzu, and the Special Anti-Cultism Unit (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu, while in hot pursuit of armed criminals who attacked a police patrol team at Eziowelle along Umuoji Road, encountered a police convoy that promptly joined in the engagement.
“The convoy swiftly aligned with the pursuing operatives and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to abandon the snatched white Mercedes-Benz SUV and flee the scene under intense pressure. Meanwhile, one police operative who sustained a minor gunshot injury is stable and currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
“Preliminary information indicates that the officers in the convoy are attached to Senator Chris Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State and former Minister of Labour and Employment.
“The recovered vehicle has been secured and taken into police custody for further investigation, as operatives intensify a coordinated state-wide manhunt for the fleeing armed hoodlums. Further developments shall be communicated, please.”
