Nnobi, Anambra State — A police officer reported killed on Friday evening when gunmen launched a brazen attack on a police checkpoint in Nnobi, a community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The checkpoint, situated near the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters, became the latest site of violence in a region that has seen a disturbing surge in targeted assaults against security forces.
The attack, which took place in the early evening hours, marks another grim chapter in a six-month wave of escalating violence across Nigeria’s South-east. According to reports obtained by The New Daily Prime the officer was on duty when the gunmen, opened fire, fatally wounding him. Authorities have yet to release the officer’s name, pending notification of his family.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on law enforcement in Anambra State and the wider South-east region, where security personnel have increasingly become targets of deadly ambushes. The region has been plagued by rising tensions and violence, driven by a complex mix of political, ethnic, and criminal factors.
In the past six months, there has been a significant uptick in assaults on police stations, checkpoints, and government facilities, leading to numerous casualties and a growing sense of insecurity among residents. The pattern of this violence underscores the severe challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order in the area.
Local communities, alarmed by the persistent insecurity, have been calling for stronger protection measures and a more decisive response from the government. In the wake of this latest incident, police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, though no arrests have been made so far.
The atmosphere in Nnobi and surrounding areas remains tense, with residents fearful of further violence. The recent attacks highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the ongoing unrest in the South-east.