Imo State Police Command officers have detained 18 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in connection with the shooting of two officers at Ahiara Junction in the state’s Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area.
The police were attacked by the suspects, who were dressed in military camouflage, when they stopped to refuel their vehicles on Monday, according to reports.
It was also said that the perpetrators descended on the unwitting officers in three vehicles, shooting intermittently.
“The police operatives fought gallantly,” he continued, “but unfortunately, the DPO and an inspector of police paid the ultimate price in the gun duel that ensued, while two police officers escaped the attack.”
“Police operatives on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise led by CP Aboki Danjuma responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase, forcing them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, abandoning some of their operational motorcycles.”
“The military, led by the Brigade Commander of the 34th Artillery Brigade, Obinze, quickly reinforced the operatives.” The region is being thoroughly searched.
“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”