Police arrest 18 IPOB suspects over killing of two officers in Imo

The Imo state police command has announced the arrest of 18 suspects linked to the killing of two police officers by suspected IPOB gunmen on Monday.

The officers, who were the DPO of Ahiazu-Mbaise and an inspector, were attacked by the gunmen at Ahiara junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise LGA, while they were refuelling their vehicles at a petrol station.

Henry Okoye, the police command spokesperson, said that the police operatives, led by CP Aboki Danjuma, chased the gunmen, who fled with gunshot wounds and left some of their motorcycles behind.

“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,” he said.

He also said that the police operatives were reinforced by the military, led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, and that intense combing of the area was ongoing.

“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation,” he said.

He added that the police command was determined to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice and urged the public to cooperate with the police by providing useful information.