BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation on January 16, 2025.
This was made known through a statement made available to LEADERSHIP by the police public relations officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye.
According to the command, the operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area, led to the arrest of one suspect, Ozioma Dike, after an exchange of gunfire. Other members of the syndicate fled into the bushes.
The PPRO stressed that recovered from the suspect was a pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone belonging to a victim who had been kidnapped on January 8, 2025, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
He submitted that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of a group responsible for several kidnappings in Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities within Mbaitoli LGA.
The command highlighted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members while Dike remains in custody.
“He is expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigation. The police have assured the public of their commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.”
In a different development, the anti-kidnapping arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara, on January 16, 2025, for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death.
“The incident occurred in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli LGA, following a minor dispute involving their children. Okpara reportedly attacked Unakalamba with a broken bottle after the argument escalated.
“Responding to a distress call, police operatives apprehended the suspect and recovered the weapon. The victim was confirmed dead at the hospital, and the suspect remains in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.”
The command stressed that the Commissioner of Police Imo State Police Command, CP Aboki Danjuma continues to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes and maintain peace and security across the state.
