The Imo Police Command says it has recorded nice milestone within the battle towards terrorism and violent crimes with the detention of 957 terror, armed theft and kidnap suspects in two months.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, instructed newsmen in Owerri on Friday that 9 kidnap victims and 7 stolen kids had been additionally rescued and reunited with their relations.
“One of many main breakthroughs was the arrest of infamous IPOB/ESN terrorists and restoration of arms, ammunition and incriminating gadgets.
“Investigations additional led to the arrest of a few of their sponsors and financiers drastically lowering their nefarious actions and reducing off funding channels.
“In synergy with different safety companies, the command additionally dislodged IPOB/ESN camps and kidnapping dens in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, Owerri West and Njaba Native Authorities Areas, and different areas within the state, hanging a decisive blow to their capability for additional assaults,” he stated.
The police boss stated: “On September 16, my males from the anti-kidnapping unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the Particular Intervention Squad, led by CSP Gboyako Adamu, stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA.
“The hoodlums engaged us in a fierce gunbattle however had been overpowered by our superior firepower.
“Sixteen suspects, together with their sub-commander, Uzoechi Okechukwu, had been arrested.”
Danjuma additional stated that Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, 25, and Chinonso Ozuruigbo, 32, had been at present beneath detention for alleged kidnap of Anayo Iwuoha, 48, on June 18, 2025 at Akabo, Ikeduru LGA.
“The suspects collected ransom of N3 million and had been nonetheless demanding N10 million as situation for the sufferer’s launch,” he stated.
The police boss stated that following incessant kidnapping, armed theft assaults and different heinous crimes, the command on September 9, arrested and detained a suspected member of IPOB/ESN, Chukwuebika Eruruogu, 27.
He alleged that Eruruogu was terrorising Mbaitoli, Njaba and Orlu LGAs earlier than his detention.
Danjuma additionally stated that 4 suspected members of a cult group had been being detained over the dying of Chidubem Orji, who was killed throughout an try and provoke him into the group.
He stated that gadgets recovered from the suspects included some defunct Biafra currencies, N1,000 counterfeit notes used inside their hideouts.
Based on him, the command additionally recovered marijuana, laptops, cellphones, AK-47 rifles, pump motion weapons, ammunition, double-barreled weapons, locally-fabricated pistols, charms, cartons of cartridges and a register used for coaching and roll calls.
“We now have began blocking the channels the place they get their weapons from,” he stated.
He nonetheless stated that his males sustained minor accidents all through the two-month operation.
Danjuma lauded Gov. Hope Uzodimma for his constant assist in welfare and logistics which, he stated, significantly boosted their operational capability.
He additionally recommended the Inspector-Common of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, for guiding the command to success.
He assured residents of the state of the command’s dedication to rid the state of crime and guarantee a secure surroundings for all.
