Operatives of Imo State Police Command have shot dead three gunmen while trying to stop the hoodlums from attacking the Njaba Divisional Headquarters on Sunday night.

The command’s Spokesman, Henry Okoye, in a release issued on Sunday night, said the bandits are suspected members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Okoye disclosed that the attackers arrived in three SUVs and immediately launched a violent assault on the headquarters with sporadic gunshots.

According to him, in response, its operatives took up defensive positions and engaged the assailants, resulting in neutralising three of the attackers.

He said, “Our gallant operatives at Njaba Divisional Headquarters have neutralised three gunmen who attempted to invade the headquarters.

“They came in three SUV jeeps and immediately launched a violent gunfire at the headquarters but were overpowered by the gallant operatives in the area. The remaining assailants, who sustained various gunshot injuries, fled into nearby bushes.

“During the operation, our forces recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, one AK-47 rifle, and three vehicles: a Toyota Lexus 470, a Mercedes GLK, and a Toyota Venza.”

The PPRO revealed that an intense operation, led by the Command’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, is currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, CP Danjuma has commended the bravery of the operatives.

The CP assured the public that the Command remains committed to enhancing the State’s internal security and will continue to take decisive actions against any threats to public peace.