Imo Police Repel IPOB/ESN Attack, Recover Weapons

The Imo State Police Command achieved a notable victory in its anti-crime efforts on Tuesday, successfully repelling an attack by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists and securing crucial evidence in the process.

The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, reported that operatives from the Counter-Terrorism Unit, during a routine patrol along the Owerri/Aba Road near the Owerri Airport, were attacked by ten assailants travelling in two vehicles.

The operatives responded swiftly, engaging in a gunfight that resulted in the neutralization of one suspect, while others fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning an ash-coloured Mercedes Jeep with Lagos State registration number AAA 101 GR.

The statement noted, “On October 29, 2024, around 6:30 PM, the Counter Terrorism Unit successfully thwarted an assault by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists during a routine patrol on the Owerri/Aba Road, near Owerri Airport. Approximately ten assailants launched the attack from two vehicles but were repelled. In the confrontation, one suspect was neutralized, while others fled with injuries, abandoning their operational vehicle—a Mercedes Jeep with Lagos registration number AAA 101 GR.”

The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, an IPOB/ESN flag, and the abandoned vehicle. No casualties were reported among the police officers.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, called on the public, especially medical personnel, to report individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest police station as the search continues for the fleeing suspects in the nearby area.