The Imo State Police Command said it has arrested a total of 18 hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN over the killing of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police at BOEK Petroleum Filling Station, Ahiara Junction, in Ahaizu, Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
According to a statement signed by police spokesman Henry Okoye and made available to Pmnews.ng in Owerri, the policemen were fueling their operational vehicle at the said filling station when hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed IPOB/ESN, dressed in military camouflage and black and red regalia, swooped on them with three vehicles and motorcycles and started firing sporadically.
The statement reads: “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.
“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are made to face the full wrath of the law. 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. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.
“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”
The statement reiterates the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to collaborating with other sister security agencies to provide adequate security. It further encouraged citizens, particularly residents of Ahaizu Mbaise, to report any person seen with or treating gunshot injuries within their vicinity by calling the emergency lines, 08034773600 and 08098880197.