The Imo State Police Command says it has recorded significant progress in its fight against crime, arresting 789 suspects and rescuing several victims of kidnapping and child trafficking within the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri. He said the arrests were achieved through collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, which he described as crucial in restoring peace and security across the state.
“In the last two months, the Command arrested a total of 789 criminal suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism, to terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, stealing, and receiving stolen property,” Danjuma stated.
He confirmed that nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued, with most already reunited with their families. Items recovered included 17 firearms such as AK-47s and pump-action rifles, 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, explosives, charms, laptops, mobile phones, and “Biafra currencies.”
One major breakthrough, according to him, was the arrest of leaders of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“On 16th September, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA. On sighting our men, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower. Sixteen suspects, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested,” he said.
The Commissioner further revealed the arrest of a suspected terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, who allegedly confessed to leading several violent attacks with his gang.
In a separate operation, police uncovered a child trafficking ring in which a one-month-old baby, earlier declared dead at birth, was rescued and reunited with the mother. Four suspects were arrested, while two others are still at large.
Similarly, four suspected cultists linked to the Vikings Confraternity were arrested in Isiala Mbano LGA, with locally fabricated pistols and live cartridges recovered.
Danjuma commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his support in welfare and logistics and also acknowledged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his guidance.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to ensuring safety and order in the state.
“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,” he added.