Police arrest two suspects over attack on US convoy, blame IPOB

The police command in Anambra says it has arrested two suspects over the killing of US consulate staff and security operatives in the state.

Echeng Echeng, Anambra police commissioner, announced the arrest of the suspects on Thursday during a briefing at the state police headquarters.

He alleged that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) were behind the attack.

On Tuesday, gunmen attacked a convoy conveying staff of the US consulate, officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and some civilians.

The attack took place along Atani-Osamela road in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra.

The convoy was conveying the staff and the officers to a US-funded flood project in the state.

Echeng said five officials of the US consulate and four armed police officers were involved in the attack.

The commissioner said the police officers and troops of the Nigerian army raided a camp in Ugwuaneocha community of Ogbaru LGA, which is suspected to be the hideout of the assailants.

He added that the security operatives did not meet anyone at the camp.

“Two persons of interest were arrested and they are currently assisting the police in the investigation. The criminal camp was razed down by the joint security team,” the police commissioner said.

“The deceased police officers include Bukar Adams, Friday Morgan, Adam Andrew and Emmanuel Lupata. All from Squadron 23, police mobile force, Lagos.

“No USA citizen was amongst the casualties.

“Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased persons have all been recovered and deposited in a morgue while the state police command and other security agencies are working round-the-clock, in concert with the government of Anambra state, to find and rescue the missing officials.

“In this regard, I call on members of the public who can provide information about the identities and locations of the culprits, to kindly assist the police with such information.”