In a major crackdown on criminal activities across Imo State, the Imo State Police Command has dismantled several criminal syndicates, arrested 147 suspects, rescued kidnap victims, and recovered arms and ammunition in an intensified security operation spanning the past two months.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, five armed suspects were neutralized in gun duels with the police, while seven kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
He said the operations were carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, targeted hotspots across the state.
In a breakdown of the successes recorded, 147 suspects were arrested for a range of crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, murder, rape, child trafficking, and receiving stolen property.
He further disclosed that one of the major breakthrough is the arrest of a 37-year-old native doctor, Ozioma Ihedoro, who had been on the command’s wanted list. The suspect, an alleged spiritual adviser to a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as “B44,” was apprehended in his shrine. A search of the premises led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and seven rounds of live ammunition.
He added that In a related operation the command arrested three suspected armed robbers—Chinonso Anayo (alias Pablo, 24), Emmanuel John (21), and Ifeanyi John (20)—all hailing from Isiagu, Ebonyi State. The suspects were apprehended during a surveillance operation, reportedly confessed to multiple armed robbery attacks. Recovered from them were one Q-Link motorcycle, two pump action guns, and 15 live cartridges.
In total, Items recovered from the suspects include seven AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven pump action guns, seven locally fabricated long guns, 178 live cartridges, three motorcycles, Biafran currency in various denominations, four Biafra flags, and criminal charms.
Commending the officers and men of the Command for their dedication and tactical prowess, CP Aboki Danjuma reaffirmed the readiness of the Imo State Police Command to rid the state of all forms of violent crime. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
