IGP orders investigation into killing of soldiers, police by gunmen in Imo

Mr Egbetokun said the security operatives had responded to a distress call from the area but were killed in the process.

Michael Ndu-Okeke • September 20, 2023

Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun (Credit: Olumuyiwa Adejobi)

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation and arrest of the killers of a Joint Security Task Force team in Imo state.

The team, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), were ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday on their way to a rescue mission.

Mr Egbetokun said the security operatives had responded to a distress call from the area but were killed in the process.

The IGP, in a statement signed by the force’s public relations officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, consoled the families of the deceased security operatives, promising that the police would do everything in its power to bring the perpetrators to book.

The IGP also urged members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the killers to report to the nearest security agency.

“ This incident, which occurred on Tuesday 19th September 2023, in Oriagu, Ehime Mbano Area of Imo State, serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risks and sacrifices that our security personnel willingly embrace in their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.

“ The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun has, however, assured the public that the NPF is fully committed to collaborating closely with other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this heinous act while relentlessly pursuing the cause of justice.

“ He assures that the force would redouble its efforts to bring the culprits to book and guarantee the safety of our officers and the security of our communities while earnestly imploring the public to remain calm and vigilant. He further urged the public to extend their cooperation to law enforcement agencies in the collective pursuit of peace and order in Imo State and other parts of the country,” the statement partly read.

Meanwhile, the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has vowed to fish out the killers of the team and prosecute them accordingly.

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