Police recover service rifle after dramatic chase on Abakaliki Road as Commissioner orders full investigation, warns against attacks on law enforcement personnel.
By Anthony Ibeh
ENUGU, Nigeria — July 13, 2026
The Enugu State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for the driver and conductor of a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus following an incident in which they allegedly assaulted police officers, knocked down a member of the Distress Response Squad, and temporarily made away with an AK-47 service rifle during a dramatic attempt to evade arrest.
The incident, which unfolded along the busy Abakaliki Road corridor in Enugu metropolis, has heightened concerns over increasing confrontations between commercial transport operators and law enforcement officers, while also raising fresh questions about officer safety during field operations.
Although the stolen rifle was later recovered intact, police authorities say the suspects remain at large and are wanted for multiple criminal offences, including conspiracy, serious assault, dangerous driving, attempted murder, and the unlawful snatching of a police firearm.
Police Say Incident Began After Report of Assault on Traffic Officer
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. on July 9 at the All Saints Roundabout along Abakaliki Road.
The Police Command disclosed that operatives attached to the Distress Response Squad (DRS) were mobilised after the Command’s Control Room received reports alleging that the driver and conductor of the commercial bus had assaulted a traffic police officer performing official duties.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, the DRS operatives intercepted the vehicle and attempted to stop it for questioning and possible arrest.
However, according to police accounts, the encounter quickly escalated.
Driver Allegedly Knocked Down Officer While Attempting to Escape
Police investigators alleged that rather than submitting to arrest, the commercial bus driver employed deceptive tactics by initially slowing the vehicle before suddenly accelerating in an attempt to flee the scene.
According to the statement, the sudden acceleration struck one of the responding police officers, knocking him to the ground.
During the chaotic escape, the officer’s AK-47 service rifle reportedly became entangled with the moving vehicle, resulting in the firearm being dragged away from the scene.
The incident immediately triggered a high-priority pursuit by the responding officers.
Police have classified the alleged action as both dangerous driving and attempted murder, given the circumstances surrounding the officer’s injury.
Service Rifle Recovered During Pursuit
The police disclosed that while being pursued, the fleeing suspects allegedly discarded the rifle at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Bus Stop, also located along Abakaliki Road.
Officers reportedly recovered the weapon immediately.
According to the Command, the AK-47 rifle was recovered intact together with its ammunition, preventing what could have become a far more serious security breach had the weapon fallen into criminal hands.
Security experts often regard the temporary loss of service firearms during operational encounters as a significant security concern due to the potential risks associated with diversion of weapons into illegal circulation.
Commissioner Orders Comprehensive Investigation
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Giwa, directed detectives to commence a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, locating, and prosecuting everyone involved.
The Commissioner also ordered intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing driver and conductor.
According to the Police Command, all lawful investigative and operational measures have been activated to ensure the suspects are brought before the courts.
Authorities have equally appealed to the suspects to voluntarily surrender themselves for investigation rather than continue evading law enforcement.
Police Warn Against Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers
Reacting to what it described as misleading public narratives circulating after the incident, the Police Command urged members of the public to rely only on verified information issued through official channels.
The Commissioner also warned that assaulting police officers, obstructing lawful arrests, resisting law enforcement personnel, or interfering with official duties constitute serious criminal offences under Nigerian law.
He stressed that individuals found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with existing legal provisions.
Police authorities further called on commercial transport operators to cooperate with security agencies during routine enforcement operations to prevent unnecessary confrontations that may endanger both officers and civilians.
Incident Highlights Growing Risks Facing Frontline Officers
The incident has renewed attention on the occupational hazards confronting security personnel engaged in traffic enforcement and rapid-response operations.
Police officers operating on highways and within urban centres frequently encounter suspects attempting to evade arrest, with some incidents escalating into violent confrontations that expose both officers and innocent road users to significant danger.
Security analysts note that while law enforcement agencies are expected to exercise professionalism and restraint, attacks on officers performing lawful duties undermine public safety and the rule of law.
At the same time, observers emphasize that allegations arising from such encounters must be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and fairness for all parties involved.
As investigations continue, the Enugu State Police Command remains focused on apprehending the driver and conductor accused of assaulting officers and attempting to flee with a police service rifle.
Although the immediate recovery of the AK-47 prevented a potentially greater security threat, the incident underscores the dangers associated with violent resistance to law enforcement and highlights the need for continued cooperation between security agencies, transport operators, and the public.
The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent prosecution is likely to shape public discourse on road enforcement, police safety, and accountability in Enugu State.
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