Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
It was end of the road for five members of a criminal gang who attempted to burn down Police Divisional Headquarters, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, Sunday.
Reports reaching Ikengaonline say that Police Operatives attached to the 3-3 police station in the area, yesterday, repelled the attack by the unknown gunmen, killing five of them in the process after an intense gun battle.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police operatives neutralised six of the insurgents, and recovered two AK-47 rifles, one Toyota Sienna vehicle with Reg No Abuja ABC 848 EQ, charms and other incriminating items from them.
“Police Operatives attached to 3 3 Police Divisional Headquarters, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA today 19/2/2023 by 5:58 am, foiled an attack by IPOB/ESN Insurgents on the police facility, neutralised six of the Insurgents, recoverd two AK-47 rifles, one Toyota Sienna vehicle with Reg No Abuja ABC 848 EQ, charms and other incriminating items.
“The outlawed IPOB/ESN Insurgents came in their numbers with two SUV vehicles and one Toyota Sienna, armed with guns, IEDs and petrol bombs, started shooting indiscriminately to gain entrance to the station and were fiercely engaged and resisted by the Divisional Police Officer and his men in a long gun battle before the prompt reinforcement team, made up of the Military and PMF Operatives arrived the scene.
“During the gun duel, unfortunately, one police operative attached to the station was fatally wounded and an office in the facility was partially affected by the petrol bomb the insurgents threw inside the station. Also, one patrol vehicle parked in front of the station was set ablaze by the gunmen.
“While some of the insurgents escaped with gun shots injuries, the situation is under control and the incident is still being assessed. Joint operations are still ongoing to track down the fleeing insurgents and further development shall be communicated, please.”
