The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has said operatives of the Eastern Security Network executed the attacks on State Police Command headquarters and the Owerri Correctional Prison.
Adamu condemned the alleged act by the security arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
Adamu’s allegation came hours after IPOB denied reports that his men are masterminds of the attacks.
The IGP made the allegation in a statement issued and signed today by Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, titled, ‘Imo Attack – IGP Deploys Security Reinforcement Squads, Sets Up Special Investigation Team (SIT)’.
According to the statement the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force and other Police Tactical Squads in Imo to strengthen security in the state and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the state.
The statement read in part, “Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armoury.
“The armoury is thus intact! Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder,”
The IGP also directed the Commissioner of Police in the state and a new Special Investigation Team “to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing-out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice”.
“The IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality.
“The IGP calls on citizens to avail the Police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals.
“He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the Force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security and socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians,” the statement added.
Scores of vehicles were razed in the wee hours of today when gunmen attacked Imo Police Command headquarters and Owerri Correctional Prison.
The gunmen attacked both facilities and set at least 1,500 inmates free.
The hoodlums also freed the suspects in almost all the cells at the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command.
