Operatives of the Imo State Police Command on Sunday foiled an attack on the Njaba Divisional Headquarters by gunmen suspected to be affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militia, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the attackers, arriving in three SUVs, launched a violent assault on the headquarters with sporadic gunfire.
“In response, the ever-gallant operatives swiftly took up defensive positions and engaged the assailants, resulting in the neutralisation of three attackers. The remaining assailants, who sustained various gunshot injuries, fled into nearby bushes.
“During the operation, our forces recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, one AK-47 rifle, and three vehicles—a Toyota Lexus 470, a Mercedes GLK, and a Toyota Venza.”
Okoye stated that the state commissioner of police, Aboki Danjuma, is currently overseeing an “intense operation” to catch the fleeing criminals.
The police commissioner praised the operatives’ heroic efforts and told the public that the command is still committed to improving the state’s internal security and would continue to take prompt action against any threats to public order.
In early September 2024, attackers set fire to the state’s Obowo Police Station, killing two vigilante members defending the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area headquarters and a police officer.
It was gathered that the gunmen also burnt other vehicles parked on the council grounds.
