On Thursday, luck ran against a six-man terror gang, suspected to be members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), who came in a sienna vehicle with registration number ABUJA-GWA 932 CQ, and attacked Police operatives who were conducting stop and search duty along UBA Round About Orlu, Imo State.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, CSP Michael Battam, in a statement revealing the successes of the Imo State Police Command against insecurity.
According to Abattam, the hoodlums who came prepared, shooting sporadically at the Police operatives, were shocked by the alertness and dexterity displayed by the gallant police operatives who responded swiftly, positioning themselves professionally.
He said, “In the gun duel that ensued, the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the police and in the process one of the hoodlums was neutralised while others escaped into the adjoining bushes with fatal bullet injuries abandoning their sienna vehicle, one AK47 rifle with fifteen (15) rounds of live ammunition, two (2) English made Pump Action guns with ten (10) rounds of live catridges and assorted charms.
“All the abandoned items were recovered by the police operatives to the station. While the corpse was later removed from the scene and deposited at a nearby mortuary.”
Police investigate incident
Abattam revealed that preliminary investigation showed that the sienna vehicle used by the terror gang was snatched from its owner in Amurie Omanze in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State and it was reported at Njaba Police Station.
He said, “However, the owner has been contacted to come with proof of ownership for the collection of his vehicle. While the Command’s Tactical Teams are working assiduously to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Police promise crime-free yuletide
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, while commending the officers and men for their gallantry, thanked Imolites for their continued support and assured them of the Command’s efforts in wiping out crime and criminality in the State to ensure a crime-free yuletide season.
“He then, enjoined them to be wary of persons living within their neighbourhoods and to report any person/persons seen with or treating bullet wounds to the nearest police station or call the Command’s emergency numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197,” The statement added.
