Police in Imo kill alleged terrorists, recover arm, ammunition

Operatives of the anti-kidnap squad of the Imo State Police Command have killed members of a suspected terrorist group in Aboh-Mbaise local council of the state.

The officials also recovered arms and ammunition in the process. Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in Owerri, yesterday, saying the squad, led by Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), carried out the operation, following confession by some suspects who were paraded last weekend.

This resulted in the invasion of a criminal hideout in Umuogu Amuzu in Aboh-Mbaise and the killing of Ebube Virus and Ishaka. Okoye said the duo, last week Monday, killed both the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police.

He said: “Operatives of the command’s anti-kidnapping squad, led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, on December 4, 2023, stormed the criminal hideout of a deadly terrorist syndicate led by Ebube Virus and Ishaka, at Umuogu Amuzu in Aboh-Mbaise local council of Imo State and dislodged the terrorists.

“In the process, the second-in-command to Ebube Virus, who is famous on the wanted list, due to nefarious activities in the Mbaise axis, was neutralised in a fierce gunfight with combat-ready police operatives. Others escaped with gunshot injuries. One AK 47 rifle, loaded with 19 rounds of live ammunition, was recovered from the terrorists.”

According to the police spokesperson, the operation “is in progress to track down other fleeing suspects and make them face the full wrath of the law”.

Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, commended efforts of the officers in onslaught against all forms of violent crimes in the state. He reiterated the commands resolve to collaborate with sister security agencies towards achieving a peaceful and secure Imo during and after Yuletide.He encouraged owners of hospitals and first-aid outlets to report persons with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.