JUST IN: Deaths Recorded Amid Heavy Gunshots in Imo as Police Battle Gunmen, Details Emerge

• Three gunmen were killed as police operatives fiercely repelled an attack on Umuakah divisional headquarters, Njaba local government area (LGA) of Imo state on Sunday, September 15
• Several exhibits were recovered from the gunmen, Imo police command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed in a statement on Monday, September 16
• According to Okoye, the gunmen, arriving in three vehicles, launched a violent assault on the headquarters with sporadic gunfire

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering security matters.

Owerri, Imo state - Amid lingering insecurity, police operatives in Imo state have killed three gunmen.

Legit.ng learnt that the attackers were trying to burn down Umuaka police station in Njaba local government area (LGA) on Sunday night, September 15.

Confirming the incident, Henry Okoye, the spokesperson of the police in Imo state, disclosed that the tactical team of the command repelled the attack.

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According to the police official, efforts are ongoing to capture fleeing gunmen who he said sustained various degrees of injuries.

Okoye said in a statement:

“The ever-gallant operatives swiftly took up defensive positions and engaged the assailants, resulting in the neutralisation of three attackers. The remaining assailants, who sustained various gunshot injuries, fled into nearby bushes.

“During the operation, our forces recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, one AK-47 rifle, and three vehicles — a Toyota Lexus 470, a Mercedes GLK, and a Toyota Venza.”

Unending attacks in southeast Nigeria

Legit.ng reports that gunmen have targeted politicians, police, soldiers, and electoral offices in southeast Nigeria in recent years.

Authorities have repeatedly blamed the controversial Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) for the violence.

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While a faction often denies responsibility for the fatal attacks, another clique tagged 'Biafra Liberation Army special squad', openly acknowledges being behind the attacks.

The caucus led by Finland-based Simon Ekpa remains undaunted as the former athlete continues to encourage killings of security agents and dissents from his base in Europe.

Insecurity in southeast: Expert suggests solution

A security expert, Timothy Avele, described the current security situation in the southeast as pitiable. He urged authorities to deploy all lawful means to ensure security.

Avele told Legit.ng:

"The troublemakers can be fished out. Everyone must know those around us, especially traditional rulers and town union presidents.

"People should provide the police with useful information about criminal elements living around them. And those providing the information should be rest assured that their identity can always be protected."

Gunmen kill 3 in Imo

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that unknown gunmen opened fire on a patrol vehicle, killing three vigilante operatives in Umuaka community.

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Anambra community thrown Into mourning as gunmen kill 5 residents

A female passerby hit by a stray bullet died during the mindless attack.

Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng