75 Suspects Arrested, Arms, Stolen Vehicles Recovered As Imo Police Raid Criminal Hideouts

The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 75 suspects linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and other offenses.

It also recovered 3 AK-47 rifles and stolen vehicles.

The State Police Commissioner, Audu Garba Bosso, gave the hint while addressing journalists at the Command’s Headquarters in Owerri after parading the suspects.

He maintained that it is his responsibility to let the people know the security situation in the State and the achievements recorded so far by the Command.

‎Bosso asserted that for the past one month, the Command working in synergy with other security agencies, and support of community stakeholders, sustained intelligence-driven operations, resulting in significant successes in the fight against crime and criminality across the State.

‎‎”I am pleased to report that as a result of these concerted efforts, the crime wave in the State has drastically reduced, creating a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.

“‎Within the period under review, we arrested a total of 75 criminal suspects for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder and stealing.

“‎We also recorded substantial recoveries, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of live ammunition, two locally made pistols, one Beretta pistol and six stolen motorcycles.

“‎A major breakthrough was the neutralization of a suspected terrorist and the recovery of arms and ammunition,” he said.

The Police Commissioner hinted that ‎on March 3, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit received a distress call from Stanley Unamba, the Chief Security Officer of Adapalm, in Ohaji/Egbema local government area, reporting that armed men had invaded the establishment and set heavy machinery and equipment on fire.

‎He narrated that when security personnel attempted to intervene, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel, adding that in the process, one suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital, but later confirmed dead by the medical authority.

‎CP, Bosso further hinted that following the development, the operatives have intensified security operations within the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

‎The Police Commissioner narrated that ‎on March 14, while the operatives were on surveillance patrol, the hoodlums resurfaced and engaged the personnel in another gun battle, but were overpowered, which forced them to flee with gunshot injuries, and abandoned three AK-47 rifles and three magazines loaded with 65 rounds of live ammunition.

‎”In a related development, a major counter-terrorism operation was conducted in the month of February and March by operatives of the State Command, in synergy with the military and other security agencies, at Orsu LGA of the State.

“The operation successfully overran a camp known as ‘Mother Valley’. Terrorists occupying the place engaged operatives in a gun battle but were ultimately subdued by the operatives’ superior firepower.

“‎During the operation, two terrorists were neutralized, while over 300 Improvised Explosive Devices , IEDs, including gas cylinders and galvanized pipes, along with five exotic vehicles were recovered.

“‎‎To this end, I urge all Imolites to continue to support the police with credible and timely information,” he added.

‎The Police Commissioner, also used the moment to assure all residents that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure that the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations were hitch-free in the State.