The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the assailants responsible for the killing of popular media personality Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as “Azia Nwosu”, and another unidentified man in Awka, the state capital.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Ama, following a two-hour closed-door meeting with the command’s strategic and operational officers on Monday.
The meeting focused on reassessing intelligence and information received from members of the public, particularly residents within Awka, following the fatal attacks on Sunday night.
Nwosu and the unidentified man were reportedly shot dead at separate locations in the state capital by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
While Nwosu was killed along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, Awka, the second victim was shot along Capital City Road, Amaenyi.
The motive for the killings remains unknown, while the incidents have heightened tension in parts of the state, prompting security operatives to increase patrols and surveillance.
Following the strategic meeting, Ama directed relevant operational and investigative units of the command to intensify efforts towards identifying and apprehending those responsible for the killings.
Speaking after the meeting, the police commissioner said the review was aimed at strengthening security operations and sustaining the command’s efforts against violent crime.
He said the command was particularly focused on leveraging information provided by residents to track down the perpetrators.
“The meeting is aimed at strengthening security operations and sustaining the fight against violent crime, and to intensify efforts towards identifying and apprehending the perpetrators,” Ama said.
The commissioner also paid a condolence visit to Nwosu’s family, where he expressed sympathy over the death of the media personality.
Ama described Nwosu as an asset to the family and Anambra State, saying his contributions would be greatly missed.
He also recalled Nwosu’s involvement in the police command’s security advocacy activities, describing his contributions as valuable to the command and the wider state.
“We also paid a condolence visit to the family of late Isaac Nwosu, who lost his life in a recent security incident in Awka.
“The late Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Azia, was an asset to the state. He will be greatly missed not only by the family, but also by the state and Anambra State Police Command, especially for his service during the Command security advocacy as well as other sundry,” he said.
The commissioner reassured the bereaved family and residents of Anambra that the police would pursue the investigation with determination.
He urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies and maintain confidence in the ongoing investigation.
“To this end, the relevant operational and investigative units have been directed to intensify efforts towards identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
“We reassured the family and residents of Anambra State that the Command would pursue the matter with determination while urging Ndi Anambra to keep believing in the integrity of the force and investigative proceedings over the unfortunate incident,” Ama said.
The police had earlier confirmed that three unidentified persons travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla were suspected to have carried out the attacks at the two locations.
Upon receiving distress calls, security operatives mobilised to the affected areas and recovered the bodies of the victims, who were subsequently taken to a hospital and confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The police also recovered ₦7,550, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers from the scene.
As the investigation continues, the command has appealed to residents, community leaders, motorists, business owners and other members of the public with useful information about the attackers or the vehicle used in the operation to come forward.
The police said information provided by members of the public would be treated confidentially.
The latest development comes as security operatives continue to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and adjoining communities in an effort to prevent further attacks and bring the perpetrators of the killings to justice.