By Uzoma Ogoke
Sequel to the Easter Monday early morning attack by gunmen on police and prisons headquarters in Imo state and releasing of some inmates, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu has ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of police mobile force and other police tactical squads to Imo State.
He said the redeployment was to strengthen security in the State and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the State.
This was contained in a press release endorsed by the Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), Mr. Frank Mba which disclosed that preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers, with sophisticated weapons, such as General Propelled Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN).
It said the attempt by the attackers to gain access to the police armory at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armory.
“The armory is thus intact! Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.
“Meanwhile, one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been recovered by the Police and is currently being subjected to forensic scrutiny and investigations”.
According to the press release by Mba, the former IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attacks on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality.
“Adamu called on citizens to avail the police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals. He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security and socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed that a total number of 1, 844 inmates escaped after the attackers blew open the custodial centre.
This was contained in a Press release signed on behalf of the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure by the Public Relations Officer, Francis Enobore.
The press release partly read: “The Owerri Correctional Centre in Imo State has been attacked by gunmen who forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in custody.
“The attackers who stormed the facility at about 0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.
“They arrived the centre in their large numbers in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna Buses, armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle. They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance”.
The release said the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security organizations, commence a search and recover operations to recapture the fleeing inmates.
It said while appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and indeed Nigerians to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate the recovery effort, the Ag. Controller-General assures that the security of custodial centres in the country remains sacrosanct.
“He equally directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in our history”.
The release disclosed that as at the last count, 6 inmates have voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from custody during the attack.
