*As team recovers 3 Kalashnikov rifles, 1 pump action, others
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Three gunmen suspected to be members of the terrorist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been killed in a joint operation carried out by operatives of Nigerian Police and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Awada, Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday, February 20, 2023.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, who disclosed this in a statement he sent to The DEFENDER on Monday, said the terrorists met their waterloo after they had attacked a Awada Police Station in Idemili Local Government of the state and the combined team of police and army operatives moved against them.
The PPRO said, “Today 20/02/2023 at about 02:20 am, gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN attacked Awada Police Station in Idemilli North LGA of Anambra State using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and automatic firearms.
“In response to the attack, police operatives attached to Anambra State Command engaged the assailants jointly with troops from 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigeria Army, in a gun duel and three members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN were fatally wounded while three Kalashnikov rifles and one Automatic Pump Action gun were recovered from them.
“Other items recovered from the assailants include a brown Lexus 330 with reg no. GWA 415BB ABJ, one unregistered KYMCO motorcycle suspected to be stolen properties, charms and other incriminating items.
“During a mop-up operation by police/military operatives, two male suspects reasonably believed to have participated in the attack were apprehended. Regrettably, four police operatives paid the supreme price while a section of the station, one police patrol vehicle and three exhibit vehicles parked in the premises were set ablaze by petrol bombs thrown into the station by the assailants.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Echeng E. Echeng has since visited the incident scene, and after conducting spot assessments, ordered the immediate deployment of all the command’s operational/investigative assets to track down fleeing members of the murderous gang. The CP further appeals to residents of Awada and the good people of Anambra State to remain calm as the police, in collaboration with sister agencies, will not rest on its oars until the criminal elements tormenting the state are brought to justice,” he said.
