IGP orders clampdown on culprits over attack on security officers in Imo

…As state command deploys Tactical Team

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The wicked will never go unpunished. To this end, the
Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the killing of security personnel of the Joint Task Force(JTF) in Imo state last Tuesday.

According to a release by the Imo State command of the Nigerian Police Force(NPF), the deceased personal comprising of two National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) personnel, one National Security and Civil Defense Corps(NSCDC), one Police Officer and an Air Force Officer who were ambushed in a decoy.

The men were said to be responding to a distress call from the area which turned out to be fake targeted at luring them into the ambush.

This incident, the police said occurred on Tuesday, September 19, in Oriagu, Ehime Mbano Area of Imo state.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, September 20, by the Force Public Relations Officer(FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated: “The Nigeria Police Force deeply mourns the recent attack on security operatives in Imo State, an event that has resulted in the tragic loss of precious lives of officers from various security agencies who have been dedicated to ensuring peace and protecting lives in Imo State.

“This serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risks and sacrifices that our security personnel willingly embrace in their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities

“The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun has however assured the public that the NPF is fully committed to collaborating closely with other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this heinous act while relentlessly pursuing the cause of justice. He assures that the Force would redouble its efforts to bring the culprits to book and guarantee the safety of our officers and the security of our communities, while earnestly imploring the public to remain calm and vigilant”.

The police boss further urged the public to extend their cooperation to law enforcement agencies in the collective pursuit of peace and order in Imo State and other parts of the country.

Adejobi, force image maker

Adejobi said: “In the same vein, Ag. IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, equally extended thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen heroes, pledging that the sacrifices made by their loved ones will not be in vain.

“The NPF urges anyone who may possess information related to this incident to come forward and actively assist in the investigative process and/or send in information anonymously through the NPF Social Media handles @PoliceNG, or through mail at pressforabuja@police.gov.

The Imo Police Command through the Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye has on Wednesday disclosed to journalists in Owerri that it has launched a manhunt to apprehend the killers of the five JTF personnel.

Barde, Imo Police Commissioner

Stated the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Barde, had ordered deployment of the command’s Special Tactical Team, equipping them with operational assets to apprehend the hoodlums.

The deceased operatives he said were responding to a decoy distress call at Oriagu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area on Tuesday when they were attacked and killed.

Okoye said the Commissioner of Police with Gov. Hope Uzodimma and the heads of some security agencies in the state had visited the scene of crime for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

He explained that the confidence-building patrol carried out by the governor and security chiefs to the scene was aimed at assuring Imo residents, particularly those living in Ehime-Mbano, of their maximum safety.

“CP Barde extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased officers and prays that the Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear the sudden and irreplaceable loss.

“The Commissioner of Police appreciates the concerns of the general public and vows that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The CP reiterates the command’s commitment in collaborating with other sister security agencies in providing adequate security for all and sundry in Imo State,” he stated.

Okoye urged members of the public to report suspicious persons or clandestine activities observed within their vicinity via the emergency lines – 08034773600