Gunmen attack Imo security base, kill DSS officer, injure 2 others

One member of the Department of State Security (DSS) was reportedly killed, with two more sustaining grave injuries, after an assault on their security base in Abacheke Community, which is located within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The assault reportedly took place late into Friday night into Saturday morning, where the assailants, who were reportedly heavily armed, assaulted the base leading to a violent confrontation with the security members.

The assault on the DSS members took place at their forward operational base, where there reportedly ensued a fierce gun battle, resulting in casualties from both parties.

One member of the DSS was reportedly killed in the process of the gunfight, with two others sustaining grave injuries.

“It happened in the early hours of Saturday. The forward operational base of the DSS was attacked by armed men suspected to be bandits. The operatives engaged them in a gun duel,” the source said.

“In the process, one personnel was killed and two others sustained injuries.”

The source further alleged that civilians may also have been affected, with reports suggesting that several people were killed during the attack, although the exact number remains unconfirmed.

Local accounts indicated that the attackers may have also set houses ablaze, forcing residents to flee the community in panic.

Some sources claimed the attack may be connected to disputes within illegal oil bunkering networks operating in the oil-rich area, though these claims remain unverified.

The people explained that Abacheke and its environs had long suffered from criminal activities emanating from oil theft, with frequent clashes between the security operatives and the suspected syndicate.

An anonymous informant hinted that the killings might be as a result of some misunderstanding regarding illegal oil trade activities and the operations carried out by the security personnel in the area, but no confirmation has yet been made regarding this matter.

Since the attack, tension has risen and led many to abandon their houses due to fear of possible revenge attacks.

In addition to this development, business was brought to a standstill on Saturday due to increased vigilance and monitoring by the security agencies.

At the time of writing, no statement has come from the DSS and the police command in Imo State.

This attack has further heightened the already existing concern about insecurity in areas of Niger Delta with continuous oil bunkering activities.