The operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested no fewer than 18 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for allegedly killing of two officers at Ahiara Junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

The Star had reported that gunmen opened fire on the policemen who were at the junction for routine security checks on Monday, November 27.

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that a yet-to-be-identified man also died from a stray bullet during the attack which occurred at about 12 p.m.

However, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said the two officers killed in the incident have been identified as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahiazu-Mbaise and an Inspector.

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Okoye said: “The police operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, the DPO and an Inspector of police paid the supreme price in the gun duel that ensued, while two police officers survived the attack.

“Police operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase, which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, abandoning some of their operational motorcycles.

“The operatives were swiftly reinforced by the military led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.

“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”

The Star