Written by Stevenie Ojijiagwo
The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 184 suspects involved in various criminal offences, the rescue of three kidnapped victims, the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and the discovery of a human skull during intelligence-led operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, PSC(+), MNIPS, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters, highlighting the Command's recent achievements in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes.
Welcoming members of the media, CP Bosso said the Command's sustained offensive against criminal elements over the past two months has yielded remarkable results.
According to him, a total of 184 suspects were arrested for offences including kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, murder, rape, defilement, sexual assault, vehicle snatching, stealing, receiving stolen property, and other violent crimes.
He added that three kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed during separate operations.
The Police Commissioner disclosed that operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, eleven AK-47 magazines, three M16 rifle magazines, five locally made cut-to-size double-barrel guns, four locally made pistols, and 382 rounds of assorted ammunition.
The recovered ammunition included 138 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 148 rounds of M16 rifle ammunition, 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta pistol ammunition, and 20 rounds of GPMG ammunition.
Other exhibits recovered during the operations included 18 live cartridges, one empty Beretta magazine, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV without registration number, an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK with registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorcycles, one Sumec generating set, eight branded cult caps, one human skull, and assorted criminal charms.
Kidnappers' Camp Dismantled in Ohaji/Egbema
CP Bosso described the dismantling of a notorious kidnappers' hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area as one of the Command's major breakthroughs.
He explained that following the arrest of two suspected kidnapping kingpins—Confidence Vitalis, 28, of Ukugba, Egbema, Imo State, and Ishiaya Rejoice, 32, from Emuoha, Rivers State—their confessional statements led operatives to a suspected kidnappers' and terrorists' camp located within the Egbema River creek.
The operation, carried out on July 6, 2026, resulted in the successful rescue of three kidnapped victims and the arrest of seven additional suspects found at the camp.
The Police Commissioner recalled that the same syndicate had earlier kidnapped a victim on June 27, 2026, who was rescued by police operatives in Owerri on June 30, 2026. Intelligence gathered during that operation eventually led investigators to the criminal hideout.
During the raid, operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three locally made cut-to-size guns, 16 live cartridges, one empty Beretta magazine, 20 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one human skull, and assorted criminal charms.
According to CP Bosso, the rescued victims positively identified several of the arrested suspects as members of the gang responsible for their abduction.
Further investigation also linked the gang to the killing of two personnel of the Imo State Homeland Security at Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area, on May 16, 2026, during an attempted kidnap of Mrs. Betty Oluchi Dike.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Additional Ammunition Recovered
The Police Commissioner further revealed that on July 7, 2026, acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed the Obiakpu swamps in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, where they recovered an additional cache of 346 rounds of live ammunition.
The recovered ammunition comprised 122 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 148 rounds of M16 rifle ammunition, and 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta pistol ammunition, alongside seven rifle magazines, including four AK-47 magazines and three M16 magazines.
Suspects Arrested Over Sexual Offences
CP Bosso also disclosed that detectives arrested Nduka Iheme, 58, of Umuakabia, Orsu Local Government Area, on June 24, 2026, over the alleged sexual abuse of two 15-year-old girls.
The arrest followed complaints lodged by the victims' parents.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the victims to his residence under the guise of offering them employment before sexually assaulting them.
The victims were taken for medical examination, while the suspect has made useful statements. Police said he would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
In another case, the Commissioner said Chijoke Johnson, 19, of Akpuru Nnorie, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, was arrested on June 4, 2026, for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl.
According to police, the suspect allegedly lured the child into his residence when she came to fetch water and sexually assaulted her.
Medical examination confirmed signs of defilement, while the suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation.
Police Reaffirm Commitment
CP Bosso described the Command's recent achievements as evidence of its determination to rid Imo State of criminal elements.
He said investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, recover more weapons, and dismantle all criminal networks operating within the state.
The Commissioner commended the professionalism, courage, and dedication of officers and men of the Command, while also appreciating residents for providing timely and credible information that has aided police operations.
He reassured the people of Imo State that intelligence-led operations would continue across the state until all criminal networks are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice.
CP Bosso further urged members of the public to sustain their support for the Police by providing useful information, stressing that effective collaboration between security agencies and residents remains vital to ensuring lasting peace and security in the state.
