The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the
immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force (PMF)
and other Police Tactical Squads to Imo State to strengthen security in
the State and prevent further attacks on security formations or any
other critical national infrastructure in the State.
A statement signed by Force Spokesman CP Frank Mba said “The IGP gave
the directives following the attack on security operatives and
formations including the Imo State Police Command Headquarters and the
Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in Owerri in
the early hours of today, Monday, 5th April, 2021.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came
in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose
Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket
Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are
members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern
Security Network (ESN).
“The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at
the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police
operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from
breaking-in and looting the armoury. The armoury is thus intact!
Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police
Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.
“Meanwhile, one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been
recovered by the Police and is currently being subjected to forensic
scrutiny and investigations.
“The IGP, who condemned the attack on the security outfits, has further
directed the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and a new Special
Investigation Team (specifically set up to deal with cases of incessant
attacks on security formation/operatives in the region), to carry out
holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing-out the
perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
“The CP is to harness the security reinforcement squads and other
operational assets at his disposal to take the battle to the door-steps
of the attackers and prevent any further attack anywhere within the
State and its environs.
“The IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security
operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders
in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out
against the unfolding violence and criminality.
“The IGP calls on citizens to avail the Police and other security
agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and
arresting the criminals.
“He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the
Force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of
unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety,
security and socio-ecomomic wellbeing of Nigerians.”