The Imo state police command arrested 18 suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members in connection with the killing of two officers at Ahiara crossroads in Ahiazu-Mbaise LGA.
Officers stopped to refuel their vehicles at the BOEK Petroleum station on Monday and were ambushed by gunmen suspected to be IPOB members.
The gunmen were dressed in military camouflage and arrived in three vehicles, shooting intermittently.
According to Henry Okoye, the police command’s spokesperson, the two officers murdered in the event were the divisional police officer (DPO) of Ahiazu-Mbaise and an inspector.
“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.
“Police operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase, which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, abandoning some of their operational motorcycles.
“The operatives were swiftly reinforced by the military led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.
“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”