Gunmen Attack US Embassy Convoy In Nigeria; Kill 4, Kidnap 3

A United States convoy got attacked in Nigeria by gunmen. The attackers killed two staff members and two police officers. Furthermore, the gunmen also kidnapped three individuals including two police officers and a driver.

According to multiple reports, the attack took place near the town of Atani in Nigeria's Anambra State on Tuesday. The Anambra Police Command confirmed that no US citizen was involved in the incident.

White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby told CNN, "No US citizens were involved and therefore there were no US citizens hurt. We are aware of some casualties, perhaps even some killed."

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ikenga Tochukwu explained that when the gunmen saw the security forces "they made away with two police operatives and a driver of the second vehicle in the convoy," adding that "no US citizen was in the convoy."

Joint security forces "have embarked on a rescue and recovery operation in the area," as per the police department.

The State Department addressed the incident at the White House press briefing and said, "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."

The attack took place at a major roadway around 3:30 p.m. and the officials believe that the separatists are responsible for this.

As per officials in that region, a separatist group called the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) might be the reason behind this attack, considering they represent the Igbo ethnic group in south-eastern Nigeria. However, IPOB denied any involvement in the attack.

Nnamdi Kanu founded IPOB in 2012 and he currently serves as the leader.

Kanu was previously arrested in 2015 by Nigerian security forces for treasonable felony and terrorism related to his activities. The political activist was detained for more than a year and it led to multiple protests in the country.

The politician was eventually released in April 2017 with restrictions but in September of that year, he was arrested again for posing a threat to national security. He left the country and was later arrested in Kenya in 2021. Once again, his arrest led to tension in south-eastern Nigeria.

The supporters of Kanu will hold a "Free Nnamdi Kanu" campaign rally in the capital of the United States of America, Washington, D.C. next week.

The rally will take place on May 25 at National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20045 at 2.00 p.m., as per SaharaReporters.

"Regardless of what you think of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, you will agree that the rule of law has to prevail in any civilized society," the coalition stated. "The world court, the African court and the Nigerian courts, all have ordered his (Kanu) immediate and unconditional release."