“Imo Police Arrest 18 Suspected IPOB Members for Killing DPO and Inspector”

The Imo State Police Command has apprehended 18 individuals suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in connection with the killing of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and an inspector at Ahiara Junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area. The officers were attacked by the suspects, dressed in military camouflage, while stopping to refuel their vehicles. The assailants, arriving in three vehicles, opened fire on the officers, resulting in the death of the DPO and an inspector. Two police officers survived the attack.

According to Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the police command, the police operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel, leading to casualties among the attackers. The police, reinforced by the military, launched a hot pursuit, forcing the suspects to flee with gunshot injuries and abandon some of their operational motorcycles. Currently, 18 suspects have been arrested and are undergoing investigation.