Police Repel Terrorist Attack in Imo, One Suspect Killed

The Imo State Police Command reported a major breakthrough in crime prevention efforts on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, operatives from the Counter-Terrorism Unit successfully repelled an attack by suspected members of the IPOB/ESN during a routine patrol along Owerri/Aba Road, near the Owerri Airport.

The attackers, approximately ten in number and traveling in two vehicles, launched an assault but were swiftly countered by the police, showcasing considerable bravery. In the ensuing firefight, one suspect was killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, abandoning their operational vehicle—an ash-colored Mercedes Jeep with Lagos registration number AAA 101 GR.

The police confirmed that none of their officers sustained injuries. Following the incident, authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, an IPOB/ESN flag, and the suspects’ vehicle.

A search is underway in the surrounding areas to track down the fleeing suspects. The state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, appealed to the public, especially medical professionals, to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.

In a related incident, a 17-year-old female student from Imo State University, Jesse Chidebere, was arrested by the Orji Police Division for allegedly faking her own kidnapping and death, causing distress among her family and the university community.

The police assured the public of their continued commitment to safeguarding citizens and addressing threats to public safety in the state.