The Anambra State Police Command has taken decisive action following a brutal roadside attack in Urum community, detaining a 52-year-old male suspect, Ndibe Jude Onyenwe.
The suspect was handed over to the police on February 5, 2026, by operatives of the 302 Artillery Regiment based at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Onitsha, after preliminary investigations suggested his involvement in a violent plot that left several victims seriously injured.
According to a statement issued by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, the suspect is alleged to have conspired with one Felix Godwin and other individuals currently at large to orchestrate a premeditated ambush along a major road in Urum.
The attack targeted unsuspecting members of the public and involved the use of firearms, resulting in grievous bullet injuries for six victims.
“During interrogation, Ndibe Jude Onyenwe reportedly admitted that he was mobilized by Felix Godwin, who allegedly paid him a sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) through a bank account to hire four gunmen from Ayamelum Local Government Area.
“The operation was reportedly led on the ground by a man known only as Emeka from Urum community,” Ikenga stated.
Investigators say the plot was well-coordinated, with the perpetrators going to great lengths to plan the attack.
In addition to the payment to recruit gunmen, the suspect revealed that an additional sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N350,000) was provided to purchase four packets of cartridges used during the ambush.
The resulting attack left six victims with serious bullet wounds, highlighting the dangerous nature of the criminal enterprise.
Police sources explained that the suspect is currently undergoing further interrogation, as the command works to unravel the network behind the violent crime.
Officers are focusing on tracing other collaborators, including Felix Godwin and Emeka, who are still at large, as well as any accomplices who may have assisted in planning or financing the ambush.
The Anambra State Police Command emphasized that acts of this nature will not be tolerated and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice.
“We have intensified efforts to apprehend all suspects involved in this brutal attack.
“Our priority is to protect lives, ensure public safety, and maintain law and order across Anambra State,” Ikenga said.
Authorities have also called on residents to cooperate with the police by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Police officers are conducting coordinated operations across Urum and surrounding communities to ensure that those responsible for the ambush are swiftly apprehended.
The attack has sent shockwaves across the local community, where residents described the ambush as sudden and terrifying.
Community leaders and law enforcement officials are now working together to reassure the public and implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, the police are examining bank transactions and other financial trails connected to the suspect and his collaborators, seeking to identify the full extent of the conspiracy.
“Our investigation is thorough. We are committed to ensuring that every person involved, from financiers to foot soldiers, is brought before the law,” Ikenga explained.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding justice and curbing violent crime.
They assured the public that continued intelligence gathering, community engagement, and rapid response measures are central to their strategy.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
This arrest underscores the increasing collaboration between the military and police in Anambra State, as both security agencies work together to respond to criminal threats.
By leveraging intelligence and inter-agency coordination, authorities aim to disrupt organized crime networks before they can carry out violent attacks.
Meanwhile, the condition of the six victims remains a focus for local hospitals, with authorities confirming that medical care is being provided for all injured parties.
The police have vowed to monitor developments closely and provide updates as investigations unfold.
The case has also sparked public discourse on road safety and the prevention of violent crimes in Anambra State.
Experts note that ambushes and armed attacks along major roads are not only criminal acts but also threats to social stability and economic activity in the region.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are urging the public to assist by reporting any known associates of the suspects and sharing information that could lead to further arrests.
The police have reiterated that there is zero tolerance for violent acts, and all efforts are being made to ensure that justice is served for the victims of the Urum ambush.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Anambra State Police Command in combating organized crime and protecting citizens, but it also demonstrates the commitment of security agencies to proactive policing and public safety.
Authorities remain vigilant, promising continued action to address crime and restore a sense of security to communities across the state.
