The Imo State Police Command, on Friday, said the Command has said that it has foiled an attempt by the Eastern Security Network to attack the Mbieri Police Division.
The police said the attack was believed to have been carried out by the members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and their militia wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN.
On Friday April 1, the suspected IPOB members at about 0400 hours, stormed the Mbieri Police Station with dangerous weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices, IED, and attacked the station.
The Network gathered that they succeeded in burning part of the station as the threw IED into the premises.
The police stated that the militia wing of the IPOB went to attack the Mbieri Police Station but stiff resistance from the police operatives attached to the division.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command, Micheal Abattam, on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police,
DCP Maman B. Giwa, confirmed that the hoodlums threw bombs at the station.
According to Abattam, the suspected IPOB members were overpowered by the superior firepower of the police prompting them to flee. ok
“Hoodlums who threw Improvised Explosive Devices into the station and shooting sporadically were overwhelmed by the superior fire power of the combat ready police operatives, forcing them to retreat in panic, escaping in their vehicle .
“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.” The statement reads.
According to the police, investigation into the attack has commenced adding that there are strong efforts to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.
Meanwhile, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Imo Command, DCP Maman Giwa, has commended the gallantry displayed by the officers and men of the Command.
He urged them not to relent in their efforts in combating violent crimes, until all the criminal elements and their partners are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Giwa appealed to Imo residents for their continuous support and collaboration by giving security agencies, especially the Police, credible and timely information.
He warned them to report any person seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within the community to the nearest police station for prompt action
