The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, on Saturday, March 23, tasked the Command’s operatives to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), responsible for the murder of Mopol 18 personnel in Okigwe, Owerri.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the mobile police officers were ambushed in the early hours of the day (Saturday) while on patrol along old Garki Road, Okigwe by the criminals who threw dynamite on the officer’s patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight.
Two of the MOPOL officers died while four others survived the attack.
In a statement by the police spokesman in the command, ASP Henry Okoye, the Commissioner of Police condemned the heinous act and immediately led the Commander Mopol 18 and 64 alongside operatives of the Command’s Special Tactical Unit to the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
CP Danjuma also mandated the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Area Command, Okigwe, the Divisional Police Officer and other Tactical units deployed in Okigwe to embark on visibility patrol, intelligence-led raids of criminal hideouts, and place watertight security to forestall any future occurrence.
The CP called on the general public, particularly the residents of Okigwe who might have any useful information that would assist the Police in the investigation to kindly report at the nearest police station or call mobile numbers 08034773600, 08103341610.
He urged the residents to go about their lawful business without any form of fear or intimidation, adding that they should not panic at the sight of the massive deployment of security operatives in Okigwe.
He asked them to support the Police and other security agencies in the onslaught against violent crimes in the state.
Condoling the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased officers, the Commissioner of Police reiterated in strong terms that the Command under his watch would not condone any form of attack on security personnel in the State.
He assured them that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring the perpetrators of this dastardly act are all arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.