The Nigerian police says it has killed five hoodlums including one Joseph Nnachi, a high ranking commander and loyalist of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who had attempted to attack the Imo State police command on Sunday.
According to the police, the attackers wanted to access the Command Headquarters through Works Layout in Owerri, the Imo state capital but had a “bloody fight” with security forces as the attempt was vehemently repelled by a team comprising the Army, Police Special Forces and other supporting security agencies.
Bala Elkana, the Imo state police public relations officer in a statement released on Sunday said another suspect was arrested and presently aiding investigation.
“The attackers who came in a white Hummer bus, wanted to access the Command Headquarters through Works Layout around Alvan Nursery and Primary School Owerri but had a bloody fight with the security forces.
“They were first Intercepted by the Military at the outer perimeter cordon provided for the Police. Five hoodlums were killed in action (KIA)including Joseph Uka Nnachi alias King of Dragons,” the statement read.
“One suspect Stanley Osinachi, 30 years old of Achi/Mberi , Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State was arrested and presently aiding investigation.
“He confirmed that Dragon is the leader of the gang in Imo State reporting to their supreme leader Nnamdi Kanu. He stated that, they belong to the proscribed IPOB and ESN.”
According to Mr Elkana, four AK 47 rifles were recovered and appeared to be the same police rifles stolen by the hoodlums.
“Four AK 47 Rifles with 2000 rounds of live ammunition and large number of explosives were recovered from the scene. The Rifles breech numbers were crossed checked and found to be the same Police Rifles that were stolen by the hoodlums from our Police station at Omuma on 31st May, 2021 which claimed the lives of four Policemen.”
The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, Abutu Yaro, commended the effort of the security forces in repelling the attack. He also appreciated the synergy amongst the security forces especially the Armed Forces and the DSS whom he said constantly feeds the joint operation with credible intelligence while the Military has consistently provided defence and outer cover to the Police.
By Abel Ejikeme
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