Nigeria: Armed assailants attack police station, kill police offers in Ogidi, Anambra State, Feb. 19

Event

Unidentified assailants attacked a police station in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, early Feb. 19. The attackers killed three police officers and set fire to the police station. There have been no claims of responsibility at the time of writing. In the past, officials have attributed similar attacks to the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its armed wing, known as the East Security Network (ESN). Ogidi is located approximately 15 km (9 miles) east of the city of Onitsha.

Authorities will likely maintain an elevated security posture in the area and may launch targeted operations to apprehend the attackers. Further such attacks remain possible.

Context

IPOB seeks the independence of the southeastern region following the previous attempt at independence by the Republic of Biafra, which sparked a three-year civil war that ended in 1970. Deep divisions remain between Biafra separatists and the central government; the Federal High Court of Abuja labeled the group a terrorist organization in 2017. The so-called Biafra region geographically includes various southeastern states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers, inhabited by the Igbo people.

Advice

Heed all official directives. Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of violence. Liaise with trusted contacts and confirm the viability of conducting operations in the region. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.