Eric Patrick
Armed men suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have killed three police officers in an ambush on a patrol team in Mbanabo, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to intelligence sources quoted by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Friday, the incident occurred along the Old Agbo–Ogugu Road when a large group of armed men opened fire on the patrol team from Mbanabo Division.
The officers killed in the attack have been identified as DSP Godwin Edevie, Inspector James Uchechukwu, and Police Constable Thankgod Egbe.
Their firearms, two AK-47 rifles and one riot gunwere reportedly carted away by the attackers.
The assailants also set the division’s patrol vehicle ablaze using an improvised explosive device.
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The remains of the officers have been deposited in a nearby mortuary, while arrangements are underway for the removal of the burnt vehicle from the scene.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units including the Distress Response Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Mobile Force (PMF), Anti-Kidnapping, Anti-Cultism, and Crack Monitoring Units.
Neighbouring divisions have also been mobilised to conduct a sweeping search for the perpetrators.
In a coordinated effort, the Army Garrison Commander and heads of other security agencies in the state have been alerted to support the ongoing operation.