By Amah
Kindly share:
The Imo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its renewed offensive against criminality, arresting 25 suspects linked to a range of serious crimes and recovering arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and other exhibits across the state.
A statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, revealed that the arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug trafficking, child trafficking, and related offences.
According to the Command, items recovered during the operations include four assault rifles, 25 cartridges, a pump-action gun, vehicles, motorcycles, suspected stolen aluminium roofing sheets, and 35 bags of weeds believed to be cannabis sativa.
Okoye disclosed that a major arrest involved suspected members of a notorious gang operating in Njaba Local Government Area. Those in custody include Eririogu Chukwuebuka (28) of Egwuede Atta, Njaba LGA; Ezemonye Orji (32) from Edda, Afikpo in Ebonyi State; Kelechi Michael (28) of Ubowuala, Emekuku, Owerri North LGA; and three other suspects.
Police alleged that the gang is linked to the 2021 killings of two traditional rulers in Njaba LGA, HRH Eze Durueburuo of Okwudo Autonomous Community and HRH Eze Sampson Osunwa of Ihebinowere Autonomous Community, as well as multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery. Recovered from the suspects were one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, seven cartridges, and suspected criminal charms.
In a separate operation, operatives intercepted an ash-coloured Ford J5 bus at Nkweshi in Oguta LGA, arresting two suspected drug traffickers allegedly transporting illicit substances to criminal networks within the area. Police said about 1,200kg of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other prohibited drugs were seized.
The Command also announced the arrest of a wanted gang leader, Ezeh Chinonso Ugochukwu (31), at the boundary between Nnebukwu and Orsu Obodo in Oguta LGA. Information obtained from the suspect reportedly led to the dismantling of a camp believed to be linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Orsu Obodo. Items recovered there include an AK-47 rifle, a LAR rifle, a pump-action gun, and 22 rounds of live ammunition.
Okoye added that the suspect allegedly confessed to the involvement of his syndicate in multiple killings. All suspects, he said, are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Police Spokesperson noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, recently promoted, has reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard lives and property across Imo State.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information by reporting suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency line: 0803 477 3600.
