The Delta Police Command on Wednesday arrested nine suspected members of the outlawed group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Hafiz Inuwa, while parading the suspects said they were behind the numerous deadly attacks on policemen in Asaba and environs.
Thirteen police service rifles were recovered from them, NAN reports.
Inuwa said the suspects were arrested following a discreet and painstaking investigation by officers in the command.
“Following recent series of attacks on policemen and snatching of service rifles, we have recorded great success with the arrest of these criminal elements.
“These principal suspects with a strong link to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were arrested and they have made confessional statements.
“Acting on a tip-off, police operatives swooped on Ugwunwosu camp of the IPOB members and recovered arms and ammunition snatched from policemen.
“Items recovered include ten AK-47 rifles with police service numbers and 10 magazines with 200 rounds of ammunition.
“Also, on April 24 one of the suspects, Christian Ndiogulu led detectives to IPOB training camp in Ibusa, where another AK-47 rifle with 20 rounds of ammunition was recovered,’’ he said.
Inuwa disclosed the rifle recovered in Ibusa was stolen by the suspects after an attack on a Police Safer Highway patrol team on the Ogwashi-Kwale road on Jan. 23.
He added that two other suspects in the group led police detectives to Idumogi forest in Okpanam community where they buried stolen police rifles.
“In total, 13 police service rifles allegedly stolen during attacks on police patrol teams in the state were recovered from the group,” Inuwa added.
