Drama as police officers mistake each other for IPOB members, clash in Aba

The police in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria, have launched an investigation into a reported incident in which police operatives allegedly engaged in a gunfight with each other, mistakenly identifying themselves as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The confusion unfolded on Wednesday in the Alaoji area of Aba, the state’s commercial hub, when police officers reportedly exchanged gunfire. According to PREMIUM TIMES, the shootout involved patrol teams from the Police Area Command in Aba and another team from Umuahia, the state capital.

Witnesses suggested that the operatives mistook each other for IPOB members, leading to the unfortunate clash. The misunderstanding was reportedly triggered by the fact that the Umuahia team was operating in commercial buses, causing the Aba officers to mistake them for the separatist group.

During the incident, shop owners and passersby near the Alaoji Motor Spare Parts Market, located along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, fled the area to avoid being hit by stray bullets. Tragically, a truck driver was killed by a stray bullet during the confrontation.

After realizing they were all police officers, an altercation reportedly ensued between the teams. In response to the incident, Abia State police spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, issued a statement on Thursday, confirming that an investigation is underway.

“From our preliminary investigation, there is no credible evidence to suggest that police officers mistook themselves for IPOB members and fired at each other,” said Ms. Chinaka, an assistant superintendent of police. “What we can confirm is that there was a shooting in that area, which resulted in the death of a civilian.”

She urged anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

IPOB, a group advocating for an independent state of Biafra in the Southeast and parts of South-South Nigeria, has been associated with several violent incidents in the regions.