The Imo State Police Command has successfully apprehended six suspects involved in kidnapping and armed robbery activities across various parts of the state.

According to a press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Henry Okoye, the arrests were made possible through a coordinated effort by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

This unit, acting on intelligence gathered from thorough investigations, swiftly responded to criminal activities in the state, leading to the rescue of a kidnapped victim and the recovery of several weapons.

The PPRO disclosed that on August 18, the Command received a distress call reporting the abduction of a 26-year-old woman from her residence in Obinze, located in Owerri West Local Government Area.

Responding to this, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, promptly mobilized the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, deploying all available resources and intelligence to apprehend the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the victim.

Following the directive from CP Danjuma, the operatives quickly gathered actionable intelligence that led them to a remote forest hideout in Avu, where the criminals were holding their victims.

In a carefully coordinated raid, the police were able to rescue the victim unharmed. Five suspects were arrested during the operation: Umaru Usman, 40, from Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto; and Jubrin Idris, 35, also from Sokoto.

The police seized a variety of weapons and other items from the suspects, including a pump-action shotgun, five live cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and several criminal charms believed to have been used in their nefarious activities.

ASP Okoye noted that these suspects are believed to be part of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for numerous criminal operations in Obinze, Avu, and surrounding areas. Further investigations are ongoing as the police aim to track down other members of the gang.

In a separate development, the Command recorded another major success on August 21 when officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, during a routine patrol in Owerri Municipal, arrested a 25-year-old suspect named Nwauba Alex.

The suspect, hailing from Ezza Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, was caught in the act of robbing two residents at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School in Owerri.

During his arrest, law enforcement officials recovered a locally made pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, and torchlights from the suspect. The victims were rescued unharmed.

Upon interrogation, Nwauba Alex admitted to the crime and further revealed that he had acquired the pistol from an arms dealer in Ezza, Ebonyi State.

Police are now intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the gun manufacturers involved in the illegal arms trade, to bring them to justice.

ASP Okoye reiterated the Imo State Police Command’s dedication to fighting crime in all its forms, stating that the recent breakthroughs in these operations underscore the Command’s commitment to ensuring public safety.

He assured residents of the state that the Command will continue to work tirelessly to reduce crime to its lowest level.

Commending the officers for their professionalism and efficiency, CP Danjuma encouraged them to maintain their momentum in the fight against crime.

He emphasized that such achievements serve as a testament to the dedication of the police force and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping Imo State safe for its residents.