Police arrest ’18 IPOB members’ over killing of two officers in Imo

The Imo state police command has arrested 18 suspected members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) in connection to the killing of two officers at Ahiara junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise LGA.

The officers who stopped to refuel their vehicles at BOEK Petroleum station on Monday, were attacked by gunmen suspected to be members of IPOB.

The assailants were dressed in military camouflage, and swooped on the unsuspecting officers in three vehicles, while shooting sporadically. 

According to Henry Okoye, the spokesperson of the police command, the two officers killed in the incident have been identified as the divisional police officer (DPO) of Ahiazu-Mbaise and an inspector.

“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,” he said.

“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.”