Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 18 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in connection with the killing of two officers at Ahiara Junction in Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the officers were attacked by the suspects, who were dressed in military camouflage when they stopped to refuel their vehicles on Monday,

The suspects swooped on the unsuspecting officers in three vehicles while shooting sporadically.

The spokesperson for the police command, Henry Okoye, said the two officers killed in the incident have been identified as the divisional police officer of Ahiazu-Mbaise and an inspector.

He said, “The police operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, the DPO and an inspector of police paid the supreme price in the gun duel that ensued, while two police officers survived the attack.

“Police operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase, which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, abandoning some of their operational motorcycles.

“The operatives were swiftly reinforced by the military led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.

“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”