On Wednesday, there was gunfire in Imo State's Oguta local government area. Three alleged members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network were neutralised, according to the Imo State Police Command (ESN).
Three of the suspects' operational cars, according to the command, were abandoned, and more suspects—some of whom were injured—retreated into the neighbouring bush.
The command's PPRO (public relations officer), Officer Michael Abattam, released a statement to that effect, which was shared with Prime 9ja Online.
“Sequel to the command’s determination to curb the menace of terrorism in the state, on the 18/01/2023 at about 1130hrs, in response to a distress call that hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed Indegeneegeous 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 mobilised 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 neutralised 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: Two (2) Pump Action guns, (2) two Double Barrel guns, twenty-four (24) rounds of live ammunition, twelve (12) expended cartridges, one (1) Improvised Explosive Device, three (3) operational vehicles – one green coloured Lexus 470GL, one black coloured Toyota Highlander, one Oxblood coloured minibus, two (2) motorcycles, one (1) iron box, one (1) travelling bag and assorted charms.”
The PPRO also stated that an investigation was underway and that the courageous operatives were continuing their pursuit of the terrorists on the run.
Meanwhile, he reported that the criminals’ bodies had been removed and placed in a mortuary and that efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, who would not be able to get very far due to the varying degrees of gunshot injuries they sustained during the gun duel.
The PPRO emphasised that the police officer who was shot was taken to the hospital immediately and was in stable condition.
As a result, the command issued an appeal to the citizens of the state, asking them to work with the Police and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism and to report any suspicious activities or people they see treating gunshot wounds in their community to the nearest police station via the command’s emergency numbers, 08034773600 or 08098880197.