Four Killed,  3 Kidnapped in US Convoy Attack in Nigeria

A United States convoy was attacked in Anambra State,  Nigeria Tuesday, killing four people, including two personnel from the US consulate and two police officers. Three others were also kidnapped. 

An official of the  Anambra Police Command who confirmed the attack, said the attackers killed two police operatives and two staff of the US consulate and set their bodies and their vehicles ablaze.

White House official also confirmed the attack but said no US citizen was killed.

“No US citizens were involved and therefore there were no US citizens hurt,” said John Kirby of the US National Security Council. 

“We are aware of some casualties, perhaps even some killed,” the senior US official added.

State Department spokesperson said: “We confirm there was an incident May 16 in Anambra state. Mission Nigeria personnel are working with Nigerian security services to investigate.

 “The security of our personnel is always paramount, and we take extensive precautions when organizing trips to the field.  We have no further comment at this time”.
The state police command spokesman, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the attackers kidnapped two police operatives and a driver of the second vehicle in the convoy. 

“The joint security forces have embarked on a rescue/recovery operation in Ogbaru LGA, following an attack on a convoy of staff of US Consulate today May 15, 2023 by 3:30 pm along Atani, Osamale road,” the state police spokesman disclosed.

DSP Tochukwu said the attacked US embassy team was on a humanitarian mission when they were attacked in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of Anambra.

More details later…