Police Eliminate IPOB Commander, Other Militants Holding Imo Hostage

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and their counterparts
from the Nigerian Army and DSS in a joint operation, in the early
hours of today 24th April, 2021 stormed the operational
headquarters of Insurgents (IPOB Militias) in Awomama Village Oru
East LGA of Imo State.

The Insurgents are responsible for the attack on the Imo State
Police Headquarters and the headquarters of the Nigerian
Correctional Service on 5th April, 2021. They have also carried out
series of calculated, violent attacks on security personnel and
formations in the south east and south south of the country,
Security sources said

As the security forces approached the base of the insurgents,
they came under rapid fire from the group. In a bold and clinical
response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly.

“The Forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the
insurgents in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and
six (6) other armed fighters of the insurgent group. Commander
Ikonso is known as the Vice President designate as well as the
coordinator of all the militia operations of the group.

“He was the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo
Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and
military personnel and facilities.

“The operation is part of deliberate effort by the Police and
other security forces to quel the activities of insurgents in Imo
State and other States of the South East and South South region of
the country.

“After the fierce gun battle, the security team recovered the
remains of Ikonso Commander and the six (6) of his fighters.
Several sophisticated weapons including six(6) AK47 rifles,
hundreds of ammunition of different caliber and lots of charms
including bullet Proof charms were recovered from the
insurgents.

At the time of filing this report, three policemen and one army
officer are receiving treatment having sustained serious bullet
injuries during exchange of gunfire with the insurgents.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and their counterparts
from the Nigerian Army and DSS in a joint operation, in the early
hours of today 24th April, 2021 stormed the operational
headquarters of Insurgents (IPOB Militias) in Awomama Village Oru
East LGA of Imo State.

The Insurgents are responsible for the attack on the Imo State
Police Headquarters and the headquarters of the Nigerian
Correctional Service on 5th April, 2021. They have also carried out
series of calculated, violent attacks on security personnel and
formations in the south east and south south of the country,
Security sources said

As the security forces approached the base of the insurgents,
they came under rapid fire from the group. In a bold and clinical
response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly.

“The Forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the
insurgents in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and
six (6) other armed fighters of the insurgent group. Commander
Ikonso is known as the Vice President designate as well as the
coordinator of all the militia operations of the group.

“He was the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo
Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and
military personnel and facilities.

“The operation is part of deliberate effort by the Police and
other security forces to quel the activities of insurgents in Imo
State and other States of the South East and South South region of
the country.

“After the fierce gun battle, the security team recovered the
remains of Ikonso Commander and the six (6) of his fighters.
Several sophisticated weapons including six(6) AK47 rifles,
hundreds of ammunition of different caliber and lots of charms
including bullet Proof charms were recovered from the
insurgents.

At the time of filing this report, three policemen and one army
officer are receiving treatment having sustained serious bullet
injuries during exchange of gunfire with the insurgents.