The Indigenous People of Biafra and its security outfit, Eastern Security Network has been accused by the Imo State Police Command of snatching vehicles before attacking the Orlu divisional police headquarters in the state.
The police noted that the armed after snatching the vehicles proceeded to Orlu to attack the police station, but they met fortified security agents.
The commissioner of Police in the state, Abutu Yaro, while speaking on the incident said, nine of the gunmen were killed, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
He also confirmed that some security operatives sustained injuries in the incident.
Yaro said the armed men are believed to be part of the hoodlums that attacked the Police Headquarters and the Correctional Service on the 5th of April 2021.
In a statement, Yaro said the operation’s success was part of the strategy adopted by the security agencies, working in synergy to rid the state of those described as unknown gunmen.
The statement said, “On the 6/5/2021, a group of bandits attempted to attack the Divisional Police and Area command Headquarters both in Orlu LGA, but were successfully repelled. However, the operatives IGP Response Team (IRT), in conjunction with the special forces and other tactical teams of the Command, engaged them in a shootout and in a bid to retreat and escape, they met the reinforcement teams from the Military and DSS, they were then engaged from on both fronts.
“After the gun duel, nine of the insurgents lost their lives while others fled with bullets wounds abandoning their operational vehicles in the process.
“However, four of our operatives sustained various degree injuries and are presently responding to treatment.
“The hoodlums were seen in a viral video around Orlu Metropolis stealing and forcefully collecting items from people, and also causing public disorder and brandishing assorted types of rifles with brazen bravado.”
He listed items recovered from them to include four AK 47 Rifles, One Pump Action, two Toyota Siena, one Toyota Camry Car and one Toyota Hilux Van.
Others include one SUV Highlander, SUV Land Rover, one (1) Nissan Pick-up Van and assorted charms.