Imo Police Kill 5 Suspects, Arrest 147, Rescue 7 Kidnap Victims in Major Crackdown
The Imo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing security operations, neutralizing five armed suspects, arresting 147 individuals, and rescuing seven kidnapped victims across different parts of the state.
The announcement was made by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, who credited the achievements to the strategic efforts of the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma.
The suspects arrested are linked to various heinous crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, child trafficking, and terrorism.
In a major operation carried out on May 20 in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, police operatives arrested 37-year-old Ozioma Ihedoro, a native doctor who had been on the command’s wanted list.
According to the police, Ihedoro confessed to being the spiritual adviser of a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as “B44.”
A search conducted at Ihedoro’s shrine led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and seven live rounds of ammunition. The arrest is seen as a critical step in dismantling the support network of IPOB/ESN operatives in the region.
In total, police operations over the past two months have led to the seizure of an alarming quantity of weapons and contraband, including:
Seven AK-47 rifles
Three AK-47 magazines
Seven pump-action guns
Seven locally fabricated long guns
178 live cartridges
Three motorcycles
Biafra currencies of course various denominations
Four Biafra flags
Numerous criminal charms and other incriminating items
The police also successfully rescued seven kidnap victims, who have since been reunited with their families.
Commissioner Danjuma praised the officers involved for their bravery and efficiency, reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements. He called on residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities.
“These operations are part of our comprehensive strategy to ensure peace and security in Imo State. We will not relent until the entire state is safe for all,” Danjuma said.
The Imo State Police Command has encouraged citizens to report criminal activities through the appropriate channels, as efforts to restore law and order continue. The clampdown comes amid rising concerns over insecurity in parts of southeastern Nigeria, with authorities intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates.
