Operatives from the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Imo State Command successfully repelled an attack by suspected IPOB/ESN members.
The attempted assault occurred during a routine patrol along the Owerri/Aba Road, near the Owerri Airport.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Owerri, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, reported that the attackers about ten individuals in two vehicles launched a violent assault but were effectively countered by the unit, who demonstrated valor in the face of danger.
Okoye stated that, in the ensuing gun battle, one suspect was neutralized, while others fled with gunshot injuries, abandoning their operational vehicle, a Mercedes Jeep, ash in colour, with Lagos State registration number AAA 101 GR.
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The Police PRO confirmed that, fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded among the operatives.
According to him, items recovered by the operatives included an AK-47 rifle, fifteen rounds of 9.62mm live ammunition from the deceased suspect, an IPOB/ESN flag, and the abandoned vehicle.
He added that an intense search of the nearby bushes is ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has urged the public, especially medical practitioners, to report anyone seen with or being treated for gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.
He assured the public that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and will take necessary measures to address any threats to public peace in the state.
The Command’s Spokesperson highlighted that the Imo State Police Command, led by CP Aboki Danjuma, has achieved another significant operational success in the fight against violent crime in the state.