A police officer and two hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been killed during a gun battle in Agwa, Oguta LGA of Imo State
The State Police Public Relationship Officer (PPRO), Michael Abattam, who disclosed this in a statement, said that other injured police personnel have been treated and discharged from the hospital for minor injuries.
Narrating the incident, Abattam said corpses of the hoodlums have been deposited at the Federal Medical Center Mortuary while investigation is ongoing.
The statement states; “ESN members in their numbers emerged from the surrounding bushes, shooting sporadically at the policemen while conducting stop and search duty.
“The officers who swiftly took cover and responded, engaged them in a fierce gun duel, while they called for backup from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Agwa .
“On arrival, they positioned themselves strategically and professionally engaged the hoodlums in a fire fight.
“For the operatives’ superior firepower and number, they were able to neutralize two of the hoodlums while others fled in disarray with bullet wounds into the bush.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo Command, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, while consoling with the family of the officer who lost his life gallantly, advised the officers and men not to relent in their efforts until all criminal elements are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
He then appealed to Imolites for their continuous support and collaboration in giving the police and other security agencies credible and timely information and to report any person seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within the community, to the nearest police station for prompt action.
Also he urged them to always make use of the command’s emergency numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197 in times of distress.
