Two suspected terrorists nabbed in Imo after police station attack

The police in Imo State, in Nigeria's South-east, have arrested two suspected terrorists linked to a failed attack on Agwa Divisional Police Headquarters in August.

Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo State, shared this news in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, mentioned that a well-known terrorist leader, Chiemela, also called “Disaster,” was killed during the attempted attack on the police station in Oguta Local Government Area.

He added that investigations led to the arrest of the two suspects and the dismantling of a terrorist camp in Ubah Agwa, a community in Oguta.

The camp was reportedly used by members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed group, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

On Tuesday at about 4:20 p.m., police arrested 29-year-old Okechukwu Anyim, a native of Agwa Community, for his role in the failed attack and other crimes in the area.

Mr Okoye explained that the arrest followed information and confessions from another suspect, Happiness Uche, a 32-year-old woman also from the same community.

“After this arrest, police operatives, along with the DPO of Agwa Police Division and his team, went to the suspected terrorist hideout in Ubah Agwa, Oguta LGA.

“When they saw the police, the criminals opened fire but were quickly overwhelmed by the police's stronger firepower, making them flee,” he said.

“Some of the fleeing suspects are believed to have been shot.”

Mr Okoye stated that the suspected terrorists’ hideout, an unfinished bungalow, was secured by the police.

A search of the site led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a visible identification number and two magazines containing 52 rounds of live ammunition.

The police also found four military uniforms, five police uniforms with name tags, three Biafra flags, six uniforms with Biafra designs, three ESN-marked uniforms, and four berets marked with ESN.

“Other items recovered include one hand grenade, several ATM cards thought to belong to different victims, various currencies with Biafran inscriptions, foreign currencies, enlarged photos of an unknown person, and various items suspected to be for rituals,” Mr Okoye added.

“The arrested suspects will face court after a complete investigation,” he confirmed, noting that the police are still looking for the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, praised the police officers for their bravery and professionalism.

Mr Bosso urged the public to stay alert and share any “credible information” that could help with the ongoing investigation.

“Further updates will be given as the investigation continues,” he promised.