The Imo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal gangs, arresting 10 suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri on Friday, noting that the operations were carried out in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, to “decisively stamp out violent crimes and criminal networks across Imo State.”
According to Okoye, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, successfully dismantled several kidnapping syndicates, rescued abducted victims and recovered a cache of weapons.
“Our men rescued kidnapped victims unharmed and recovered three pump-action guns, two AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 31 rounds of ammunition and 37 live cartridges during the operations,” Okoye said.
He explained that one of the breakthroughs came after officers arrested Odinaka Ekwebelem, Ejike Sunday, and Chinedu Duru, who were linked to the abduction of a young man at Faith Glorious Assembly Church in Awo-Omamma on November 16.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives trailed the suspects to a forest, rescued the victim safely, and recovered two assault rifles used by the gang,” the police spokesman added.
In another incident, police apprehended Frank Onyemaechi, 26, of Ama-Asaa in Ikeduru Local Government Area, after intelligence indicated his involvement in criminal activities. During a search, officers found disturbing images of deceased and kidnapped persons on his mobile phone.
A follow-up operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol and the arrest of his wife, Chidimma Onyemaechi, 24, who allegedly attempted to conceal the weapon.
Similarly, anti-crime operatives raided a notorious hideout in Nchoko, Oru East LGA, arresting Nkwusi Casmir (22), Uchenna Ike (29), and David Ikwunna (27). The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of a cult group responsible for terrorising communities in the area.
Okoye assured residents that the police would sustain the ongoing operations until criminal elements are fully subdued.
“The command remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring that all criminal gangs operating within the state are identified, arrested and brought to justice,” he said.
He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security agencies in their efforts to secure the state.
