Police Confirm Gunmen Attack On Security Operatives In Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the attack on security operatives in the state.

The spokesman of the command, SP Nnamdi Omoni who confirmed the attack in a statement however failed to disclose the number of security men killed in the attack, or those responsible for the attack, noting that details were still sketchy.

Omoni however noted that a full-scale investigation has been ordered by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday.

It will be recalled that Naija News earlier reported that an attack by suspected gunmen of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on two security checkpoints in Rivers State has left not less than eight security operatives dead.

The attack was said to have happened on Saturday evening at about 11.30pm at two joint security checkpoints along the Airport Road, Omahwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Those killed according to reports include two soldiers, three customs operatives, and three police officers.

The gunmen who carried out the attack were said to have been in military uniform, making it difficult for the security operatives to suspect an attack.

Reacting to the incident, the Police spokesperson said in a statement that: “I can confirm the attack on security personnel along the Omagwa/Isiokpo/Elele – Owerri Road, and details are sketchy.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Eboka Friday, has launched a full scale investigation into the dastardly attack with a view to arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

“Meanwhile, the area is now calm with reinforced and increased joint patrols on the stretch of the road and other areas in the state by security agencies.

“So far, the state is calm and secure, and no cause for alarm.”

Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the killing of the leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) Commander Ikonso, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Sunday announced that the military wing of the group has gotten a new commander.

Recall that Nigeria special forces had early on Saturday stormed the operational headquarters of the ESN in Awomama, Oru East LGA of Imo State, killing Ikonso and six members of the group.

Speaking on Channels TV, Sunday Politics, IPOB Secretary, Emma Powerful, announced a new commander but declined to make his name public.

He also denied ESN’s involvement in the attack on Governor Hope Uzodinma’s house.