A resident of the community who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the security personnel were attacked by suspected gunmen at Ekeisu market in the early hours of Monday.

The resident said the officers were “in a vehicle when they were ambushed and killed by their attackers,” adding that their bodies have not yet been retrieved.

The incident has caused fear and panic in the community, with some villagers fleeing their homes.

“The NSCDC personnel were riding in a vehicle when they were ambushed and killed by their attackers. Their lifeless bodies have not been evacuated as we speak. But security operatives have taken over the community,” the resident said.

Confirming the incident, Henry Okoye, the Imo police spokesperson, said operatives have been dispatched to the community to restore normalcy.