Scores of gunmen were, yesterday, injured as they engaged police and army officers in a gun duel during attack at Njaba Police Station in Imo State.
    
The bandits had attempted to gain entrance with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), but were later repelled.
   
The Guardian learnt the hoodlums had attacked the station more than twice.
   
Confirming the attack in a statement, yesterday, spokesperson for Imo State Police Command, Michael Abattam, said battle ready police officers on sighting the bandits, gave them a chase before soldiers around the area joined, leading to the exchange of gunshots between the hoodlums and security operatives.
  
According to him, no life was lost at the incident as the hoodlums ran away with injuries, while some abandoned arms were recovered.
    
He said: “Police operatives of the division, who positioned themselves strategically and professionally, engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and in the process, they were suppressed. Having suffered a huge defeat, with a number of them sustaining bullet wounds, they retreated and ran towards Njaba Bridge in a Sienna vehicle as operatives gave them a hot chase.
 
“Unfortunately for them, the hoodlums ran into a detachment of  Army officers at Njaba Bridge, who engaged them in another gun battle. During the exchange of gunfire, the hoodlums suffered casualties, which made them scampered for safety and abandoned their operational vehicle.
 
“Consequently, an aggressive combing of the bush and manhunt for the hoodlums is ongoing to recover more arms and arrest the fleeing suspects since they cannot move far because of blood stains in the vehicle and in the bushes.
  
“ At the scene, one pump action gun, abandoned by one of the injured hoodlums was recovered and the Sienna vehicle used and abandoned was towed to the station for further investigation.
   
“The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Hussaini, commended the officers and men for their gallantry and urged them not to relent in their efforts until all criminal elements and their partners are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
   
The spokesperson applauded Imo indigenes and residents for their continuous support and collaboration in giving security agencies, especially the police, credible and timely information.
  
He urged them to report any person seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within the community to the nearest police station for prompt action.