During a gun fight at Umuchoke in the Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State, the Imo State Police Command stated one suspected member of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network IPOB/ ESN terror gang was killed.
The hoodlum had been on the command’s wanted list but on the run after involvement in many deaths of police officers and the burning of police stations, according to a statement signed by CSP Michael Abattam, Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State.
One locally produced double barrel handgun with two expended rounds, two live cartridges, and the charms he placed around his waist to reinforce himself against police bullets were among the items seized from the deceased, according to authorities.
The command said its tactical team mobilized and stormed the shop of the hoodlum, who was eventually identified as Uchenna Chukwu, aged 34 yrs ‘M’ of Umunakanu in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State, on the 6th of October, 2021 at approximately 1630 hours, after diligent information gathering.
“On sighting the police operatives, he raised the alarm alerting other members of his gang, picked a cutlass and rushed at one of the police operatives in an attempt to chop off his head but was overpowered, disarmed and the cutlass recovered from him.
“While this was on, the already alerted members came in their number and engaged the police operatives in a gun duel but were overwhelmed by the superior fire power of the police and in the process, one of them was neutralized while others escaped with bullet wounds into hiding.”
The suspect is presently undergoing interrogation and has made useful statement to the investigating team, revealing their hideouts and the abode of other members of his gang on the run.
The police said investigation was in progress and its operatives are working in synergy with other security agencies to arrest the other members of the terror group, especially those that escaped with bullet wounds.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Rabiu Hussaini, while commending the officers and men for their gallantry, expressed his appreciation to the people of Imo State for their support.
The CP advised them to continue to assist the police with credible information and report to the nearest police station any person seen with bullet wounds.
