Hoodlums in their numbers, on Friday, invaded Mbieri Police Station in Mbaitoli Local Government Council of Imo State, throwing explosive devices and destroying some property owned by the police.

The Police spokesman in the state, Michael Abattam, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), has confirmed it.

In the last two weeks, hoodlums have attacked no fewer than three police stations in different parts of the state.

In a statement issued by Abattam, he said the hoodlums invaded the area shooting sporadically before the policemen on the ground challenged them with superior fire, noting that no life was lost instead, they (hoodlums) were repelled.

The statement reads: “Police repelled them, following stiff resistance from the police operatives attached to the division.

“The hoodlums, who threw Improvised Explosive Devices into the station and shot sporadically were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the combat-ready police operatives, forcing them to retreat in panic, escaping in their vehicle.”

He continued: “For the prompt response of the gallant police operatives, only minimal damage was done to a parked unserviceable vehicle and some windows due to the effect of the explosive. No life was lost or injury sustained by the operatives and no arms/ ammunition was charted away. Investigation is ongoing and efforts are on to arrest fleeing hoodlums.”

According to the statement, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Maman Giwa, has given words of encouragement to the officers, saying: “The Acting Commissioner of Police, Imo Command, DCP Maman Giwa PSC, commended the gallantry displayed by the officers and urged them not to relent in their efforts in combating violent crimes until all the criminal elements and their partners are apprehended to face the full wrath of the law.”

He then, appealed to Imolites for their continuous support and collaboration by giving security agencies, especially the Police, credible and timely information as well as reporting persons seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within the community to the nearest police station for prompt action.