At least two policemen from MOPOL 18 in Owerri were killed when gunmen attacked their patrol vehicle on Saturday along old Gariki Road in Okigwe, Imo State.
The officers were surprised and attacked in Owerri while doing their patrol.
The suspected gunmen, believed to be from the banned Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network, threw dynamite at the officers’ patrol vehicle and fought with them using guns.
It was reported that four others were seriously injured during the event.
The police spokesperson for the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident.
He explained, “The officers were ambushed today, 23/03/2024, during their patrol along old Gariki Road Okigwe by the angry individuals who threw dynamite at the officer’s patrol vehicle and fought with them using guns.
“In the process, two officers lost their lives while four others survived.”
Okoye mentioned that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the attack.
He said, “The state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the attack and the brutal killing of Mopol 18 personnel in Owerri by gunmen believed to be members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN).”
He also noted that the Commissioner and the MOPOL 18 and 64 Commander immediately led the Command’s Special Tactical Unit to the crime scene for assessment.
He added that the officers were instructed to work with other security agencies to track down the criminals responsible for the attack.
This assault happened just a week after a Nigerian Army commander, three officers, and 12 soldiers were ambushed and killed in Delta State.
The soldiers, serving with the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were said to be on a peace-keeping mission to quell community clashes in Bomadi Local Government of Delta State when they were killed.
