The Imo State Police Command has intensified its clampdown on criminals, arresting 789 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, and cultism, to child trafficking and murder, in the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who disclosed this on Friday at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri, said the Command also rescued nine kidnapped victims and seven trafficked children, most of whom have been reunited with their families.
He said the arrests and recoveries were made possible through intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders.
“Seventeen firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns, 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, explosives, charms, laptops, mobile phones, and what we call ‘Biafra currencies’ were recovered,” the CP stated.
One of the Command’s biggest breakthroughs, according to Danjuma, was the raid on an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area on September 16.
He said, “On sighting our men, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were subdued by superior firepower. Sixteen suspects, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested.”
The CP further revealed that a suspected terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, was earlier apprehended. He reportedly confessed to carrying out multiple deadly attacks with his gang across the state.
In another operation, the police uncovered a child trafficking ring where a one-month-old baby—initially declared dead at birth—was rescued and reunited with the mother. Four suspects were arrested, while two accomplices fled.
Also, four suspected cultists said to belong to the Vikings Confraternity were arrested in Isiala Mbano LGA, with locally fabricated pistols and live cartridges recovered.
Danjuma commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his support in logistics and welfare, and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing strategic guidance.
He assured residents that the Command would not relent in its drive to flush criminals out of the state.
“These achievements reflect our firm commitment to rid Imo of crime and restore peace. We remain resolute in protecting lives and property until Imo is fully secured,” he declared.
