A police officer from the 29 Police Mobile Force, Awka, has lost his life in a tragic shootout during a stop-and-search operation along the Onitsha/Owerri Expressway in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident happened late Wednesday near the Danaks Filling Station and triggered panic among residents and business owners. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with gunshots erupting suddenly during what was supposed to be a routine check.
Reports say the patrol team had flagged down a Toyota Sienna that was driving against traffic. Unknown to the officers, the vehicle was allegedly carrying operatives suspected to be from the Department of State Services (DSS), who were dressed in plain black attire and reportedly refused to comply with the stop order.
According to an eyewitness—a local hawker who requested anonymity—the Sienna emerged from a side road and was flagged for questioning. However, the vehicle’s occupants allegedly resisted and opened fire, hitting one of the police officers in the rib area.
The injured officer was quickly rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, and later referred to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident. In a statement, spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga described the situation as deeply distressing. He said the operatives involved were from a “friendly force” and the misunderstanding led to the fatal exchange of gunfire.
Ikenga assured the public that the situation had been brought under control and that the case was now with the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for full-scale investigation. He also noted that necessary protocols were in motion to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The remains of the deceased officer have been deposited at a hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
This heartbreaking development comes just two weeks after another officer from the same PMF unit, Inspector Okolie Amechi, was accidentally shot and killed by his 10-year-old son, who had unknowingly pulled the trigger of his father’s AK-47 rifle at home.
As investigations continue, the police command is appealing for calm and urging the public to allow the authorities to handle the matter professionally and transparently.
