The Imo State Police Command has announced significant progress in its fight against crime, with the arrest of 789 suspects and the rescue of several victims of abduction and child trafficking over the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri on Friday. He explained that the successes were achieved through coordinated efforts with other security agencies and local stakeholders, which he described as vital in restoring safety and order across the state.
He revealed that the arrests covered offences such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, stealing, and receiving stolen property. He added that nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued, most of whom have since been reunited with their families. Items recovered included firearms, ammunition, stolen motorcycles, explosives, charms, laptops, mobile phones, and what police referred to as “Biafra currencies.”
Danjuma also highlighted major breakthroughs, including the arrest of suspected leaders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). He noted that operatives raided one of their camps in Oguta LGA after receiving credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of key figures following an exchange of gunfire. He further disclosed the arrest of a suspected terrorist ringleader who confessed to carrying out several violent attacks with his group.
The Commissioner pointed out that police also uncovered a child trafficking network, rescuing a one-month-old baby who had earlier been declared dead at birth. Several suspects linked to the crime were arrested, while others remain at large. In another operation, suspected cultists were apprehended in Isiala Mbano LGA with weapons recovered.
He commended the support of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, stressing that their contributions have been instrumental to the Command’s progress. Reassuring residents, he said, “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.”
What You Should Know
Imo police say they arrested 789 suspects in two months and rescued victims of kidnapping and child trafficking.
Authorities dismantled criminal camps, uncovered trafficking syndicates, and recovered arms, pledging continued efforts to restore security and peace across the state.
