Following an early morning attack at the headquarters of Imo State Police Command on Sunday, the command says it neutralized no fewer than five of the attackers said to be members of IPOB/ESN, including one ‘King of Dragon’ said to have masterminded series of attacks on police stations in the state.
The command in a statement issued by the spokesperson, SP Bala Elkana said one person 30-year-old Stanley Osinachi, of Achi/Mberi , Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State was also captured alive who is currently giving useful information to aid investigation.
According to Elkana, he confirmed that Dragon is the leader of the gang in Imo State reporting to their supreme leader Nnamdi Kanu, stating that, they belong to the proscribed IPOB and ESN.
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Elkana added that four AK 47 Rifles said to have been stolen from police, including 2000 rounds of live ammunition, and large number of explosives were recovered from the scene.
“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.
“Four AK 47 Rifles with 2000 rounds of live ammunition and large number of explosives were recovered from the scene. The Rifles breach 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” he said.
Other items recovered include, Assualt (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 03018058, Assualt (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 070007055, Assualt (AR) RIFLE Breach N0: 5801297, Six locally fabricated Explosive Devices, Police Beret Cap, 7 AK47 Magazines fully loaded, 1 military cap, 1 military cardigan (Polo), 1 Silver Coloured Mini Bus with Reg N0: WAM-8673 B ABD and one Hummer Bus with Reg N0: KED-382 X Ladden with Explosive Devices.
The statement also added, “The same gang together with their members that were killed in previous operations were responsible for series of attacks in different parts of the State. They are the same people in the viral video that blocked the flyover at Orji and killed three unarmed civilians, including a woman they brought out of their vehicle blindfolded.
“A Police Inspector sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire this morning and is currently receiving medical attention.
“The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Abutu Yaro, fdc has commended the gallant effort of the security forces who stood firm and put their lives on the line in this accomplishment and restore sanity to Imo State. The CP used the opportunity to condole with families of Policemen that lost their lives in the hands of these terror gangs over the last few weeks and those that sustained various degrees of injuries. They are the real heroes. The Commissioner of Police also extends his gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc, NPM, fdc for supporting the command with the necessary resources used in combating the deadly gang.
“The CP also thank the Government and people of Imo State for their support and undiluted trust in the ability of the Police to restore peace to the State.
“Most importantly, the Commissioner of Police deeply appreciates the Armed Forces and the DSS. The Department of State Services has constantly fed the joint operation with credible intelligence while the Military has consistently provided defence and outer cover to the Police. The synergy amongst all the services is superb and has culminated in the landmark victory recorded today.
“Lastly, the Commissioner of Police is calling on all those in possession of weapons stolen from Security Agencies to return them to the nearest Police Station or Military Installation not later than 12th June 2021, to prevent the long arms of the law catching up with them.”
