Federal troops operating in Owerri the Imo State capital foiled an early morning attack on the Imo State Police Command on 6 June 2021.
The troops assisted by the Police Special Forces eliminated a top IPOB/ESN Operational Commander, Joseph Uka Nnachi alias King of Dragons, who has allegedly been orchestrating attacks against security agencies and government establishments in the South Eastern States.
He was alleged to have been at the centre of several attacks since the death of Ikonso in an encounter with security forces on 24 April 2021 at Awomama Village of Orlu East LGA of Imo State.
Equally neutralised along with Dragon were four of his cohorts while one was captured and has been assisting security forces with useful information.
According to a statement from Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, Director Army Public Relations, the troops recovered four AK-47 Rifles, a Toyota Hiace Mini bus used as operational vehicle by the assailants as well as several assorted ammunitions and charms.
The statement reads: “It would be recalled that IPOB/ESN Terrorists attacked the Imo State Police Command on 5 April 2021 and since then, the security forces had been on the trail of the assailants leading to the successful elimination of the key figures involved.
“The NA wishes to place on records its profound appreciation to the peace-loving citizens of Imo State and the entire citizenry for their support towards combating security challenges in the South East and the rest of the country.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen Faruk Yahaya, particularly noted this as a patriotic gesture and appealed to the public to do more while assuring them of the NA’s resolve to end the reign of terror in the country”.
In a separate statement, the Imo State police command also gave an account of what transpired.
In a statement, SP Bala Elkana, Imo State Police Command spokesman, said “On 6th June, 2021 at about 0615 hours when Imolites were preparing to go to Church, hoodlums planned to turn the beautiful Sunday into a black Sunday with an attempt to attack Owerri, the State Capital. The attempt was vehemently repelled by the gallant forces of the Army, Police Special Forces and other supporting security agencies. The attackers, who came in a white hummer bus, wanted to access the Command Headquarters through Works Layout around Alvan Nursery and Primary School Owerri but had a bloody fight with the security forces.
“They were first Intercepted by the Military at the outer perimeter cordon provided for the Police. Five hoodlums were killed in action (KIA) including Joseph Uka Nnachi alias King of Dragons. One suspect Stanley Osinachi ‘m’ 30 years old of Achi/Mberi, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State was arrested and presently aiding investigation.
“He confirmed that Dragon is the leader of the gang in Imo State reporting to their supreme leader Nnamdi Kanu. He stated that, they belong to the proscribed IPOB and ESN.
“Four AK 47 Rifles with 2000 rounds of live ammunition and large number of explosives were recovered from the scene. The Rifles breech numbers were crossed checked and found to be the same Police Rifles that were stolen by the hoodlums from our Police station at Omuma on 31st May, 2021 which claimed the lives of four Policemen.
“OTHER RECOVERED EXHIBITS ARE: I. Assault (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 03018058 II. Assault (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 070007055 III. Assault (AR) RIFLE Breach N0: 5801297 IV. Six locally fabricated Explosive Devices V. Police Beret Cap VI. 7 AK47 Magazines fully loaded VII. 1 military cap VIII. 1 military cardigan (Polo) IX. 1 Silver Coloured Mini Bus with Reg N0: WAM-8673 B ABD X. I Hummer Bus with Reg N0: KED-382 X Laden with Explosive Devices.
“The same gang together with their members that were killed in previous operations were responsible for series of attacks in different parts of the state. They are the same people in the viral video that blocked the flyover at Orji and killed three unarmed civilians, including a woman they brought out of their vehicle blindfolded.
“A Police Inspector sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire this morning and is currently receiving medical attention. The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Abutu Yaro, has commended the gallant effort of the security forces, who stood firm and put their lives on the line in this accomplishment and restore sanity to Imo State”.
