BREAKING: Policemen Engages IPOB’s ESN In Fiercely Gun Battle
In a raid on the secret hideout of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), by Imo State Tactical Police team, an undisclosed number of members of the separatist group were said to be neutralized.
It was gathered that the raid on the camps of the ESN/IPOB members occurred on Friday, Aug 27, at Akata in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to intelligence sources in Imo State intelligence unit, some members of ESN/IPOB were seen mobilizing themselves with a view to attack Police formations and government installations.
Upon receiving the credible information, our correspondent learnt that the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Hussaini Rabiu immediately deployed the Imo State Command’s Special Forces and tactical teams led by the officer- in- charge of Operation Restore Peace, ACP Evans Shem to dislodge the bandits as a proactive measure to nip their planned attack on the bud.
According to the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Michael Abattam, on reaching the camps of the ESN/IPOB fighters, the members attacked them by throwing petrol bombs and Improvised Explosives Devices (I.E.D) on them.
CSP Michael Abattam said that the Police returned fire and in the process eliminated many of the hoodlums. He however, said that several Police officers were killed during the deadly clash, while some sustained injuries as a result of gunshots.
He said that the Police recovered 3 Improvised Explosives Devices (I.E.D), 2 Pump Action Guns, nine Cartridges, One Locally Made Pistol and One Toyota Highlander SUV vehicle with registration number IMO DFB 535 LC from the hoodlums.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Rabiu has commended the efforts of the Police officers who were involved in the raid. He praised them for thwarting the plans of the IPOB/ESN members. He also urged them to be vigilante at all time. He wished those who sustained injuries a quick recovery, just as he sympathized with the families and friends of those who paid the ultimate price
