- Recovers one stolen AK 47 rifle
A gang leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that attacked and killed three police officers who were on patrol a week ago, has been neutralized by operatives of the Delta Police Command.
Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Ari Mohammed Ali, disclosed on Monday in a press briefing with newsmen at Asaba, saying the criminal was killed by a police patrol team attached to Illah Division while on stop and search duty at Ogbada quarters along Illah–Akwukwu-Igbo road, Asaba.
According to him, three IPOB members had launched an attack on the officers while on duty but the gallant officers quickly engaged and repelled the attack, thereby leading to the killing of the gang leader while others fled with gun wounds.
CP Ali said one of the two AK 47 riffles taken from the officers that were killed by the hoodlums was recovered during the operation.
He said, “You will recall that one week ago, Okpanam Division officers sent out on patrol were attacked a few metres from the police station. Since the attack, the Command has not been resting in its quest to ensure that those who committed that atrocity are brought to book.
“Consequently, our men have been out 24/7 conducting stop and search, parading of various black spots, combing the hideouts including the enclaves of the suspected members of IPOB.
“Today 1/8/2022 at about 0735hrs, Police patrol team attached to Illah Division led by the DPO while on stop and search duty at Ogbada quarters along Illah–Akwukwu-Igbo road, three armed men suspected to be members of the proscribed indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) attacked the team.
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“The team engaged them in a fierce gun duel during which one of the hoodlums was neutralized while the other members of the gang escaped with gunshot injuries. One AK47 rifle with breech no 2534896 and six rounds of 7.62MM ammunition was recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.”
On how the gang leader was identified as an IPOB member, the CP said, “When you take a cursory look of that body, you will see charms tied on his waist. That tells you that he is a suspected member of IPOB. We know their trademark and their Modus Operandi. Anywhere they operate, they mask themselves up and of course, they were all masked during the operation, and all over them are charms, believing that the charms will save them.”
Ali commended the officers of the Illah Division for their brevity and their gallantry in confronting the hoodlums.
“Being courageous is what paid off. Their courage has made the command proud. Therefore, the other members that have escaped into the bush will have a rethink to come out again to operate, that is if they are alive.”
He said the officers will still go back to the bush and comb it with a view to checking up if those with bullet wounds died while escaping, saying “surely, we shall get the rest.”
On the three police officers that lost their lives last week, the CP said that the Command would ensure that their family members are well taken care of, saying such will motivate other officers of the Command.
“I and my management team sat down and delegated a team to reach out to the families. I have also reached out to my boss, the IGP and he assured me that the Command has his support for the families of the three gallant officers who lost their lives.
“Also, I contacted His Excellency (Governor Ifeanyi Okowa) and without asking him, he assured me that immediately after he comes back this week, he will reward the families of the gallant officers. We will ensure that the families are properly taken care of, which will serve as a motivating factor for others,” Ali said.
While assuring residents of the State of the commitment of the Command to securing lives and properties, the CP urged them to always support the efforts of the Police by providing credible information on crime and criminality in their areas, saying such that will go a long way in ensuring that Asaba and its environs are relatively free of crime and safe for inhabitants.
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