Posted by Chinenye on Thu 09th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
A major security operation in Imo State has uncovered a wide range of alleged criminal activities, leading to several arrests and the recovery of dangerous items.
(Nigeria Police. Photo Credit: Leadership News)
The Nigeria Police, Imo State Command, says it has arrested 184 suspects during major operations across the state, rescued three kidn@pped victims, and recovered two human skulls, AK-47 rifles and other incriminating items.
State Police Commissioner, Audu Garba Bosso, made the disclosure at the Command's Headquarters in Owerri after parading some of the suspects.
He explained that the suspects were arrested in separate intelligence-led operations for criminal offences bordering on kidn@pping, t3rrorism, armed r0bbery, cultism, m£rder, def!lement, r@pe, sexual ass@ult and other criminal activities.
According to him, the Command recovered two AK-47 rifles, eleven AK-47 magazines, three M16 rifle magazines and five locally made double-barrel guns during the operations.
Other items recovered include cut-to-size guns, four locally made pistols, and a total of 382 rounds of assorted ammunition, comprising 138 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 148 rounds of M16 rifle ammunition, 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta pistol ammunition, and 20 rounds of General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) ammunition.
He added that the Command's operations did not stop at arms recovery, as human skulls and items suspected to be charms were also discovered.
Explaining how some of the suspects were apprehended, the police commissioner disclosed that statements from rescued victims in Ohaji/Egbema LGA led to a follow-up operation at a suspected kidn@ppers' hideout located within the Egbema creek in Rivers State.
He said the operation dislodged the criminals' camps, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects, along with the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, sixteen rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and locally made guns.
"Further investigation established that the same criminal gang was responsible for the k!lling of two personnel of the Imo State Homeland Security at Umuguma, Owerri West LGA on 16th May, 2026, during an attempt to kidn@p one Mrs Betty Oluchi Dike.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate. Also, on 7th July, 2026, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the State Police Command stormed the Obiakpu swamps in Ohaji/Egbema LGA where they recovered an additional cache of 346 rounds of live ammunition, comprising 122 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 148 rounds of M16 rifle ammunition, and 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta pistol and others," he said.
In a separate development, CP Bosso disclosed that detectives attached to the Command arrested a 58-year-old man, Nduka Iheme, a resident of Umuakabia, Orsu LGA, on June 24, 2026, over alleged sexual ab£se of two minors.
His arrest followed complaints lodged by the victims' parents, and investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the victims to his residence under the pretext of offering them a job, after which he had unlawful carnal knowledge of them.
Another suspect, 19-year-old Chijoke Johnson from Akpuru Nnorie, Ngor-Okpala LGA, was apprehended over the alleged def!lement of an 8-year-old minor.
According to the state police boss, the incident occurred when the victim visited the suspect's residence to fetch water, during which he allegedly forced her inside and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
CP Bosso maintained that the achievements recorded reflect the Command's resolve to deny criminal elements any safe haven within the state, adding that investigations remain ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle networks linked to criminal activities.
"I want to assure Ndi Imo that the State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property. I urge members of the public to continue partnering with the Police by providing useful information. Together, we will continue to keep the State safe and secure," he said.