They attacked police operatives wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.

Two police officers have been killed and three others are unconscious following a clash between police operatives and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the Shiites in the Wuse area of Abuja.

Spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the attack which happened on Sunday, describing the attack as unprovoked while accusing the group of destroying three police patrol vehicles.

According to Adeh, the IMN members attacked some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the FCT command at Wuse Junction by a traffic light.

“The FCT police command wishes to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, on some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by the traffic light, where two (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.

The police PRO also indicated that they wielded machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.

“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives,” the statement read.

Situation Under Control

Reacting to the incident, the FCT Police Commissioner, Benneth Igweh, condemned the attack.

Noting that several arrests have been made, the CP pledged to bring all the perpetrators of the attack to book.

According to the statement, the situation has been brought under control as police operatives have restored normalcy to the area.

“While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers.

“He promises to bring those involved to book. The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored,” the police spokesperson stated.

She also said that the FCT Police Command would communicate further developments to members of the public in due course.