BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
The Imo State Police Command has arrested a total of 789 criminal suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism, terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, stealing, and receiving stolen property.
This was made known by the Commissioner of Police, CP. Aboki Danjuma while addressing Journalists, in Owerri, Imo State.
He said, “A total of 9 kidnapped victims and 7 stolen children were rescued, many of whom have since been reunited with their families. The operations also led to the recovery of 17 firearms include AK 47, pump guns and locally fabricated guns, 72 7.62mm ammunitions and 673 live cartridges, 9 stolen motorcycles, criminal charms and several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 14 laptops, several phones, Biafra Currencies, large quantity of hard drugs and counterfeit currency. One of the key breakthroughs was the arrest of notorious IPOB/ESN.”
The CP. stressed that the Command, in synergy with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, has recorded remarkable achievements in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality across the state.
He highlighted that the terrorists were found with arms, ammunition, incriminating materials, and financial records.
“Investigations is ongoing to apprehend their sponsors and financiers and drastically reducing their nefarious activities. In joint operations with sister agencies, terrorist camps in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, and Njaba LGAs were dismantled, further crippling their capacity to launch attacks.
“Following the ongoing Joint Security Operations in Njaba and Mbaitoli LGAs targeting IPOB/ESN hideouts, some fleeing terrorists relocated to Agwa. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the Special Intervention Squad, led by CSP Gboyako Shaba Adamu, in synergy with other security agencies on 16th September 2025, stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA.
“On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower. Sixteen suspects, including their sub-commanders, Uzoechi Okechukwu, and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested. Recovered from the camp were two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and charms.”
CP. Danjuma explained that similarly, on 9th September 2025, a notorious terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, was arrested at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA. During interrogation, he confessed to multiple violent attacks carried out in collaboration with his gang.
“In addition to counter-terrorism operations, the Command’s Anti-Vice Unit uncovered and dismantled a child trafficking syndicate. A one-month-old baby, who had been deceitfully declared dead at birth, was rescued and safely reunited with the mother, Precious Ochasi of Ohuba, Ohaji. Investigations revealed that her partner, a self-acclaimed pastor, conspired with a nurse identified as Blessing and a trafficking agent Chioma (both currently at large) to sell the baby for #900,000. Four suspects linked to the crime were arrested, while efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
“In another development, the Command arrested four suspected cultists during an intelligence-led raid on their hideout in Amaraku, Isiala Mbano LGA. Locally fabricated pistols and live cartridges were recovered, and the suspects confessed to being members of the Vikings Confraternity. Investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the cult.
“At this point, permit me to appreciate the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his consistent support in welfare and logistics which has greatly boosted our operational capacity. I also thank the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, whose guidance has been instrumental to our successes.
“As your Commissioner of Police, I want to reassure the good people of Imo State that 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.”