The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Hussaini, disclosed this in a statement signed by the spokesperson in the state, Michael Abattam, on Sunday.
The commissioner said, “After diligent gathering of technical intelligence, that members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN members were sighted planning to resume terror attacks on police formations and government installations in the state at about 12:30 hours; the command’s tactical teams immediately mobilized and stormed the hideout out of the group.”
He said the members of the terror group, on sighting the police operatives in their hideout, opened fire on them.
The police boss said, “The gallant and battle-ready tactical teams swiftly returned the fire. In the gun duel, four members of the group, namely Chidera Nnabuhe, the Orlu Sector Commander of IPOB/ESN, a.k.a. “DRAGON,” a native of Umuala Amaifeke in Orlu LGA, Nonso Okereke, also a native of Umuala Amaifeke in Orlu LGA, and two others, a.k.a. J.J. and Dadawa, both natives of Ohazara in Ebonyi State, were shot dead.
“Emeka Sunday, age 20 years old, of Anike in Ohazara LGA of Ebonyi State, and Anthony Okeke, age 44 years old, of Umuala Amaifeke Orlu LGA of Imo State were arrested while other members of the group escaped into the bush with bullet wounds. Emeka Sunday, one of the apprehended IPOB members, later confessed that among those who escaped into the bush were Dragon’s wife, Obanovwe Abosede Blessing, a native of Kokori-inland, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, and Dragon’s personal guard, one Monday, Chijioke Nnabuhe.
“On searching the camp and it’s surroundings, a native goat that had just been slaughtered with the blood drained into a container and rubbed on their bodies to fortify themselves against police bullets was recovered alongside the following items: two locally fabricated general purpose machine guns (GPMG), fifteen improvised explosive devices (I.E.Ds), two English-made pump action guns, two locally made pistols, thirty-seven rounds of live cartridges, three automatic machine gun kick starters, and one bomb detonator.”
The Commissioner of Police, while commending the officers and men for their gallantry and proactiveness, expressed his appreciation to the residents and citizens of the state for their unalloyed support.
He advised them to continue to assist the police with credible information that will enable smart policing and the interception of these IPOB members. He further warned that the police are still searching for all those who escaped. He finally advised citizens of the community to desist from disturbing the peace and unity of the state or will face the wrath of the law.
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