The Imo State Police Command has recorded a major victory in the fight against crime, announcing the arrest of 789 suspects and the rescue of several kidnapped victims and trafficked children within the last two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri. He said the operation was made possible through collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders — a partnership he described as “crucial in restoring safety across the state.”
“In the last two months, we arrested 789 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism, to terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, and receiving stolen property,” Danjuma said.
According to him, nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued and most have already been reunited with their families. Items recovered included 17 firearms (among them AK-47s and pump-action rifles), 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, explosives, charms, laptops, mobile phones, and what police described as “Biafra currencies.”
One of the most notable breakthroughs was the arrest of suspected leaders of IPOB/ESN, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, during a raid on their camp at Obudi Agwa, Oguta LGA. Danjuma added that the group engaged security operatives in a gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower.
The Command also confirmed the earlier arrest of Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, a suspected terrorist kingpin, who allegedly confessed to leading several attacks.
In a separate development, police uncovered a child trafficking syndicate, where a one-month-old baby initially declared dead at birth was rescued and reunited with the mother. Four suspects were arrested, while two remain at large.
The CP also reported the arrest of four suspected cultists belonging to the Vikings Confraternity in Isiala Mbano LGA, where locally fabricated pistols and live cartridges were recovered.
Danjuma used the opportunity to thank Governor Hope Uzodimma and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for their continuous support.
“We remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property. These achievements reflect our firm commitment to rid Imo of crime and ensure a safe environment for all. We will not relent until our state is fully secured and peaceful,” he assured.
#ImoState #Police #Security #CrimeNews #NigeriaNews #IPOB #ChildTrafficking #KidnapRescue
