The Imo State Police Command celebrated a significant success in its crime-fighting initiatives on Tuesday by effectively thwarting an attack from suspected IPOB/ESN militants and gathering critical evidence.
Gists9ja reports that Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed that officers from the Counter-Terrorism Unit were conducting a routine patrol along Owerri/Aba Road near Owerri Airport when they were ambushed by ten attackers in two vehicles.
The officers quickly retaliated, engaging in a firefight that led to the elimination of one assailant, while the others fled, sustaining injuries and leaving behind an ash-colored Mercedes Jeep with a Lagos State registration number AAA 101 GR.
The statement indicated, “On October 29, 2024, at approximately 6:30 PM, the Counter Terrorism Unit successfully averted an assault by suspected IPOB/ESN militants during a routine patrol near Owerri Airport. About ten attackers struck from two vehicles but were driven off.
In the ensuing clash, one assailant was neutralized, while the rest escaped with injuries, abandoning their getaway vehicle—a Mercedes Jeep with Lagos registration number AAA 101 GR.”
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, an IPOB/ESN flag, and the abandoned vehicle. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the police officers.
The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, urged the public, especially medical professionals, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest police station, as efforts continue to locate the fleeing suspects in the surrounding area.
