According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the ambush occurred on Monday, November 3, 2025, when officers attempted to apprehend suspects linked to illegal firearms possession, cultism, and conspiracy.

In the early hours of that day, police operatives arrested the 13 men and seized a locally made single-barrelled gun. The suspects, along with their accomplices, had laid an ambush and opened fire on the police team. Several officers sustained injuries, and the police vehicle was damaged during the exchange.

“The operatives quickly retaliated with firearms, forcing many of the attackers to flee with gunshot wounds,” Ndukwe said. “We recovered one locally made single-barrelled gun during the operation.”

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The gunfire from the suspects also caused significant damage to police and civilian vehicles in the area, including shattering the lights of the police operational vehicle.

Following the incident, Enugu State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, visited Akpakume for an on-the-ground assessment of the damage. The inspection revealed that the assailants had intentionally destroyed homes, shops, crops, and livestock belonging to members of the local community.

Preliminary investigations suggest the attack was part of a broader intra-communal conflict within the area, further complicating the situation.

The police command has launched a manhunt for other suspects still at large. CP Giwa has urged residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities while assuring them that law enforcement will not rest until all those responsible for the ambush and related crimes are brought to justice.

Source: Punch