The operatives of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Imo State Police Command have reportedly foiled an attack allegedly unleashed by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPoB/ESN) on the society.
Police authorities said the separatists however were given a bloody nose as they lost one of their fighters during a gun duel with the police along Owerri-Aba Road near the Sam Mbakwe Cargo International Airport.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, a 10-man IPoB/ESN squad had unleashed attack on the area but were successfully countered by the police operatives.
During the ensuing gun battle, ASP Okoye in a statement disclosed that one member of the IPoB/ESN squad was neutralized while others fled with gunshot wounds leaving behind their operational vehicle marked Lagos AAA 101 GR.
ASP Okoye expressed happiness that no police operative sustained any injury during the crossfire.
He informed that the Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma has directed members of the public particularly medical practitioners to report anyone seen with or treating gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.
The CP Danjuma reiterated that the command remains dedicated and committed at ensuring the safety of citizens and would take necessary measures to address any threats to public peace in the state.
The statement reads; “On October 29, 2024, at approximately 6:30 pm, operatives from the Command’s Counter Terrorism Unit successfully repelled an attack by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists during a routine patrol along 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 an act of valour.
“In the ensuing gun battle, one suspect was neutralized, 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.
“Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded among our operatives. In the aftermath, the operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and fifteen rounds of 9.62mm live ammunition from the deceased suspect, IPOB/ESN flag and the abandoned vehicle.
“Intense combing of the nearby bushes is ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police urges the public, particularly medical practitioners to report anyone seen with or treating gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600, reiterating that the Command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all citizens and will take necessary measures to address any threats to public peace in the state”.
