The Imo State Police Command on Tuesday has successfully foiled an attack by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (ASP) Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Owerri.
Okoye said that the achievement was another significant operational success in the fight against violent crime carried out by members of the proscribed sessessionist group in the state.
He said the latest attack was foiled when the hoodlums launched an assault on the command’s Counter Terrorism Unit during a routine patrol.
“On October 29, 2024, at approximately 6:30p.m., operatives from the Command’s Counter Terrorism Unit successfully repelled an attack by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists during a routine patrol on the Owerri/Aba Road, near Owerri Airport.
“The attackers, numbering about ten in two vehicles, launched a violent assault, but were effectively countered by the unit who demonstrated valour.
“In the ensuing gun battle, one suspect was neutralised, while the others fled with gunshot injuries, abandoning their operational vehicle—a Mercedes Jeep, ash in color with Lagos State registration number AAA 101 GR,” he said.
Okoye said that fortunately no member of the police team suffered any casualty or injuries.
He said that the operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and fifteen rounds of 9.62mm live ammunition, IPOB/ESN flag and the abandoned vehicle.
The command’s spokesman said that intense combing of the nearby bushes was ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects.
He appealed to the public, particularly medical practitioners to report anyone seen with or coming to treat gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.
(PR Nigeria)
