Nigeria: Two police stations attacked in Imo State March 19-20

Event

Unidentified assailants attacked two police stations in Imo State March 19-20. Police officials stated that the attack targeting Oru police station was repelled, killing four attackers and retrieving explosive materials. Attackers also targeted the Umuguma police post located on the outskirts of the state capital Owerri, killing two police officers, while damaging the home of a local leader. There have been no claims of responsibility at the time of writing. In the past, officials have attributed similar attacks to the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its armed wing, known as the East Security Network (ESN).

Authorities will likely maintain an elevated security posture in the area and may launch targeted operations to apprehend the attackers. Further such attacks remain possible.

Context

IPOB seeks the independence of the southeastern region following the previous attempt at independence by the Republic of Biafra, which sparked a three-year civil war that ended in 1970. Deep divisions remain between Biafra separatists and the central government; the Federal High Court of Abuja labeled the group a terrorist organization in 2017. The so-called Biafra region geographically includes various southeastern states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers, inhabited by the Igbo people.

Advice

Heed all official directives. Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of violence. Liaise with trusted contacts and confirm the viability of conducting operations in the region. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.