Security forces repel attack on Owerri, Imo State
…recover four AK-47 rifles stolen from Police
On 6th June, 2021 at about 0615 hours when Imolites were preparing to go to Church, hoodlums planned to turn the beautiful Sunday into a black Sunday with an attempt to attack Owerri the State Capital.
The attempt was vehemently repelled by the gallant forces of the Army, Police Special Forces and other supporting security agencies.
The attackers who came in a white hummer bus, wanted to access the Command Headquarters through Works Layout around Alvan Nursery and Primary School, Owerri, but had a bloody fight with the security forces. They were first intercepted by the military at the outer perimeter cordon provided for the Police. Five hoodlums were killed in action (KIA)including Joseph Uka Nnachi alias King of Dragons.
One suspect Stanley Osinachi ‘m’ 30 years old of Achi/Mberi, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State was arrested and is presently aiding investigation. He confirmed that Dragon is the leader of the gang in Imo State reporting to their supreme leader Nnamdi Kanu. He stated that, they belong to the proscribed IPOB and ESN.
Four AK-47 Rifles with 2,000 rounds of live ammunition and large number of explosives were recovered from the scene. The Rifles breech numbers were crossed checked and found to be the same Police Rifles that were stolen by the hoodlums from a Police station at Omuma on 31st May, 2021 which claimed the lives of four Policemen.
OTHER RECOVERED EXHIBITS ARE:
- Assault (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 03018058
- Assault (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 070007055
III. Assault (AR) RIFLE Breach N0: 5801297
- Six locally fabricated Explosive Devices
- Police Beret Cap
- 7 AK47 Magazines fully loaded
VII. 1 military cap
VIII. 1 military cardigan (Polo)
- 1 Silver Coloured Mini Bus with Reg N0: WAM-8673 B ABD
- I Hummer Bus with Reg N0: KED-382 X Ladden with Explosive Devices.
The same gang together with their members that were killed in previous operations were responsible for series of attacks in different parts of the State. They are the same people in the viral video that blocked the flyover at Orji and killed three unarmed civilians, including a woman they brought out of their vehicle blindfolded.
A Police Inspector sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and is currently receiving medical attention.
The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Abutu Yaro, fdc has commended the gallant effort of the security forces who stood firm and put their lives on the line in this accomplishment and restore sanity to Imo State. The CP used the opportunity to condole with families of Policemen that lost their lives in the hands of terror gangs over the last few weeks and those that sustained various degrees of injuries. They are the real heroes. The Commissioner of Police also extends his gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc, NPM, fdc for supporting the command with the necessary resources used in combating the deadly gang.
The CP also thanked the Government and people of Imo State for their support and undiluted trust in the ability of the Police to restore peace to the State.
“The Commissioner of Police also deeply appreciates the Armed Forces and the DSS. The Department of State Services has constantly fed the joint operation with credible intelligence while the Military has consistently provided defence and outer cover to the Police. The synergy amongst all the services is superb and has culminated in the landmark victory recorded today.
“Lastly, the Commissioner of Police is calling on all those in possession of weapons stolen from Security Agencies to return them to the nearest Police Station or Military Installation not later than 12th June 2021, to prevent the long arms of the law catching up with them.”
