The PUNCH reports that some members of the Joint Security Task Force comprising police and military officers, Civil Defense personnel, and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, were on Tuesday killed, following an ambush by some terrorists in Oriagu in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
Reacting to the tragic loss on Wednesday, the IG, through a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigerian police will leave no stone unturned in order to ensure that those responsible for the killings are apprehended.
While extending condolences to the friends, families and relatives of the deceased officers, Egbetokun further urged anyone with useful information related to the incident to kindly report to the police in order to aid their investigation.
Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force deeply mourns the recent attack on security operatives in Imo State, an event that has resulted in the tragic loss of precious lives of officers from various security agencies who have been dedicated to ensuring peace and protecting lives in Imo State. This incident, which occurred on Tuesday, September 19, 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 security agents affected by this senseless act of violence, comprising Police Officers, the Military, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency were diligently responding to a distress call from the area which turned out to be fake, and targeted at luring them into the ambush.
“The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode 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 FFRO added, “In the same vein, acting IG, Olukayode Egbetokun, equally extended thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen heroes, pledging that the sacrifices made by their loved ones will not be in vain. The NPF urges anyone who may possess information related to this incident to come forward and actively assist in the investigative process and/or send in information anonymously through the NPF Social Media handles @PoliceNG, or through mail at [email protected].”
