IGP confirms, names IPOB in Imo Prison, Police Headquarters attacks

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, says operatives of the Eastern Security Network carried out Monday in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The IGP condemned the alleged act by the security arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra. IPOB has since denied being behind the attacks.

Adamu stated this in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba.

‘’He ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force and other Police Tactical Squads to the state to strengthen security in the state and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the state,’’ said the statement.

The DEFENDER had earlier reported that some gunmen suspected to be IPOB members on Monday attacked with explosives the Nigerian Correctional Centre and Police Command Headquarters in Owerri.

The gunmen were said to have operated with no fewer than 10 vehicles at about 2 a.m. on Monday, setting free some inmates.

A source, who wanted anonymity further told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that no fewer than 150 suspects were released from the command.

It was also gathered that no fewer than 1, 500 inmates of the correctional centre were freed in the attack.

The IGP in the statement said, “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,” the statement partly read.

The statement was titled, ‘Imo Attack – IGP Deploys Security Reinforcement Squads, Sets Up Special Investigation Team (SIT)’.

The statement also said the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police in the state and a new Special Investigation Team “to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice”.

“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-economic wellbeing of Nigerians,” the statement added.