The Imo State police command has said that it has apprehended 18 suspects in connection to the killing of a divisional police officer (DPO) and inspector of police.
The command said the suspects are members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Recall that gunmen on Monday afternoon attacked officers at Ahiara junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise LGA of Imo state, killing two police personnel.
In a release signed by the Imo state police Spokesman, Henry Okoye, and issued on Monday night, the command disclosed that following the attack and killing of two police officers in Ahiara junction, Ahiazu-Mbaise, it deployed its Tactical Squad and equipped it with necessary operational assets to hunt for the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly act.
The command, according to the release, discovered it was a DPO in charge of Ahiazu-Mbaise Divisional Police Headquarters and Inspector that fell victims of the attackers onslaught.
It reads further, “the policemen affected by this senseless act of violence were fueling their operational vehicle at the BOEK Petroluem Filling Station, Ahiara junction Ahiazu-Mbaise when hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed IPOB/ ESN, dressed in military camouflage and black/red regalia, swooped on them with three vehicles and motorcycles and started firing sporadically.
“The Police Operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, the DPO and an Inspector of Police paid the supreme price in the gun duel that ensued while two Police officers survived the attack.
“Police Operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries abandoning some of their operational motorcycles. The Operatives were swiftly reinforced by the Military led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, for a intense combing of the area is ongoing.
“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”
CP Danjuma extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased officers and prays that the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear the sudden and irreplaceable loss.
He vowed that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are made to face the full wrath of the law.
The Commissioner of Police while appreciating the concerns of the general public, called on them to assist the Police with useful information that may lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
The CP reiterates the Command’s commitment to collaborating with other sister security agencies in providing adequate security for all and sundry in Imo State and beckoned on Imolites, in particular residents of Ahaizu Mbaise to report any person seen with or treating gunshot injuries within their vicinity via the following emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.
