Two Police Officers Killed During Unprovoked Assault By Proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Abuja, 3 Officers Injured, Police Vans Set Ablaze

The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has confirmed the tragic death of two of its officers following a violent assault by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), cited by OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News, the incident occurred during the Arba’een walk, a ceremonial procession held by the IMN, also known as Shi’ites. 

This religious observance marks the conclusion of a 40-day mourning period in remembrance of the death of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

The confrontation unfolded in the Wuse area of Abuja, where members of the group launched an unexpected and violent attack on a police checkpoint. The assault left three additional police personnel critically injured and unconscious. 

The Police Press Release Reads"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 traffic light, where two (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze"

OTN News gathered that the proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.

While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, Psc. mni. condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers. He promises to bring those involved to book.

The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored to the FCT. 

The injured men were promptly transported to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

SP Adeh detailed the severity of the attack, explaining that the assailants, armed with machetes, knives, and locally made improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ambushed the police officers without provocation. 

In addition to the loss of life and injuries, the group set three police patrol vehicles ablaze, further escalating the chaos.

"Members of the proscribed movement attacked the police checkpoint in an unprovoked manner, wielding dangerous weapons including machetes, knives, and makeshift explosive devices," Adeh stated.

Also following the attack, several arrests were made as law enforcement sought to restore order. The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Mr. Benneth Igweh, expressed deep condemnation of the violent actions against his officers. 

He vowed that those responsible for the attack would be apprehended and brought to justice, emphasizing that the safety and security of the police and the public must be upheld.