Imo Police announce arrest of 147 suspects linked to major crimes across Imo State.
Owerri, Nigeria – The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 147 individuals involved in various violent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, and human trafficking.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Owerri by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye.
According to Okoye, the arrests were a result of intelligence-led and coordinated security operations spanning the past two months.
These operations, he said, were strategically directed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, and focused on restoring peace and safety throughout Imo State.
Weapons Recovered and Lives Saved During Operations
DSP Okoye revealed that five armed suspects were neutralized during gunfire exchanges with Imo Police operatives. Additionally, seven kidnapped victims were rescued from various locations.
Weapons and items recovered included seven AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven pump-action shotguns, seven locally crafted long guns, 178 live cartridges, and three motorcycles.
Also seized during the operations were Biafra-related materials, including various denominations of Biafra currency, four flags, and numerous criminal charms, highlighting possible links to proscribed groups.
Okoye emphasized that the operations disrupted several syndicates operating across the state.
Breakthrough Arrests by Imo Police
A major breakthrough occurred on May 20, 2025, when Imo Police operatives apprehended a 37-year-old native doctor named Ozioma Ihedoro in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area.
Ihedoro, who had been on the Command’s wanted list, confessed to serving as the spiritual adviser to an IPOB/ESN commander identified as ‘B44.’
“A search of his shrine led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and seven live rounds of ammunition,” said Okoye. “He is now assisting our investigators with intelligence that could lead to the capture of other key figures.”
Robbery Suspects Nabbed in Coordinated Surveillance
On May 19, 2025, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, in collaboration with the Njaba Division, arrested three armed robbery suspects.
The individuals—Chinonso Anayo (also known as Pablo), Emmanuel John, and Ifeanyi John—all from Isiagu in Ebonyi State, were apprehended during a surveillance patrol.
Imo Police operatives recovered a Q-Link motorcycle, two pump-action guns, and fifteen live cartridges from the suspects, who later confessed to carrying out a series of robberies in the region.
CP Aboki Danjuma Commends Imo Police and Residents
Commending the efforts of his officers, CP Aboki Danjuma praised the dedication of Imo Police personnel in confronting criminal elements.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to partner with other security agencies in ensuring the safety of all citizens.
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“We urge members of the public to stay alert and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activity promptly,” Danjuma said.
He assured that enhanced security measures were already in place to prevent further criminal activity across the state.
