Police Neutralize Suspected IPOB/ESN Members

The Imo State Police Command neutralized three gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

The hoodlums attacked and burnt the Agwa Central Vigilante Group office at about 11:30 on a fateful day and later aimed to raze down Agwa Police Station both in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

Meanwhile, other members of the gangs were dispersed with serious injuries, the operatives also confiscated their weapons.

In a statement on Thursday at the Police Headquarters in Owerri, the Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Michael Abattam confirmed that the hoodlums attacked the office of the Agwa Central Vigilante group and as they were heading to attack the Agwa police station, the police tactical teams engaged them.

SP Abatam revealed that they got a distress call and acted immediately which led to the killing of three of the hoodlums and one of the officers were injured. The police said three vehicles belonging to the hoodlums were recovered

Sequel to the command’s determination to curb the menace of terrorism in the state, today 18/01/2023 at about 1130hrs, in response to a distress call that, hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) had attacked Agwa Central Vigilante Group, burning down their office and are proceeding to attack and set ablaze Agwa Police Station both in Oguta LGA of Imo State,  the combatant Command’s Tactical Teams swiftly mobilized to the area.

“Having been informed that the hoodlums had cordoned the station, the police operatives tactically manoeuvred their way into the station joined the operatives of the division and professionally engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and in the process three of the hoodlums were neutralized while others scampered for safety into the adjoining bushes with various degrees of gunshot wounds, abandoning three of their operational vehicles.” 

“The operatives on combing the bush, the following Items were recovered : (1) two (2) Pump Action guns, (2) two (2) Double Barrel guns, (3) twenty-four (24) rounds or live ammunition, (4) twelve (12) expended cartridges,(5) one (1) Improvised Explosive Device, (6) three (3) operational vehicles – one green coloured Lexus 470GL, one black coloured Toyota Highlander, one Oxblood coloured minibus, (6) two (2) motorcycles, (7) one (1) iron box, (8) one (1) travelling bag and assorted charms.

“Investigation is in progress, the gallant operatives are not relenting in their efforts to arrest the fleeing members of the terrorist group. Meanwhile, one of the police operatives who sustained a minor bullet injury was rushed to the hospital for treatment and he is in a stable condition,” police said.