Clerics, 14 others arrested for South-East attacks on police

OPERATIVES of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested 16 suspects for alleged complicity in a series of violent and unprovoked attacks on security operatives and facilities in some states of the federation, particularly in the South-East.

The police said a pastor with the Holy Blessed Trinity Sabbath Church, Orlu, Imo State, Nwachukwu Egole, and a prophet with the Association of Jewish Faith, Michael Uba, were two of the masterminds of the various attacks on security personnel, in addition to providing spiritual cover for the gang.

Egole’s house was allegedly used by the gang members to plan their nefarious operations.

He also reportedly donated his late brother’s farmland for use as a hideout and training camp for the gang.

The statement titled, ‘Unprovoked killings of security operatives: Police arrest 16, recover arms, ammunition, explosives,’ further noted that the suspects were arrested in various parts of the country following sustained and intelligence-driven sting operations.

It stated, “Specifically, investigations revealed that the duo of Samuel and Idang were among the criminal elements that attacked policemen on duty at a checkpoint on December 24, 2020 along Orlu-Ihiala road in Imo State where two police officers were killed and a police Hilux patrol van set ablaze.”

The police explained that nine AK-47 rifles, five other sophisticated firearms, 17 AK-47 magazines, 549 AK-47 live ammunition, 10 Improvised Explosive  Devices, camouflage bullet-proof vests, walkie-talkies and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects.”  (PUNCH)