Police authorities in Imo State have arrested 18 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in connection with the killing of two operatives of the force at Ahiara junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise local government area of the State.
NewsBand Newspaper reported on Monday that the officers who were refueling their operational van at the BOEK Petroleum station were ambushed by gunmen.
A statement made by the spokesman of the command, Henry Okoye, said that the two officers killed in the attack have been identified as the divisional police officer (DPO) of Ahiazu-Mbaise and an inspector.
“The police operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, the DPO and an inspector of police paid the supreme price in the gun duel that ensued, while two police officers survived the attack
“Police operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase, which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, abandoning some of their operational motorcycles.
“The operatives were swiftly reinforced by the military led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.
“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation”.