The Imo State Police Command has reported the arrest of 26 individuals believed to be members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and involved in enforcing sit-at-home orders.
The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in shooting and attacking individuals who were celebrating a birthday at a hotel near Irete.
The Commissioner of Police for the state, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, disclosed to journalists in Owerri that the command’s tactical team, in collaboration with operatives of the 18 Police Mobile Force, swiftly responded to the scene following reports from vigilant residents who had spotted IPOB members at a hotel (name withheld) located at Catering bus stop, Free Zone, Irete.
Ahmed Barde said, “Unfortunately, a lifeless body, later identified as Remigius Emeka Njoku, a relative to the celebrant, was seen lying on the floor in his pool of blood. The outlawed IPOB and ESN unlawful sit-at-home enforcers immediately opened fire on sighting police operatives, but they were overwhelmed by the dexterity, stiff resistance, and superior firepower of the police, which forced them to flee to the adjourning bush with various degrees of gunshot injuries.”
“On combing the hotel and nearby bush, traces of blood were seen, which suggested that some of these terrorists were hit. He further noted
“During the search around the hotel, one AK-47 rifle, 48 rounds of live ammunition, four pump-action guns, 18 rounds of live cartridges, two AK-47 magazines, and a face mask were recovered. A total of 26 suspects were arrested; they are still undergoing thorough screening.”
“investigation is ongoing, and certainly the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of a diligent investigation,” Barde reiterated.
