Imo Police Arrest 75 Suspects, Recover Arms, IEDs, Stolen Vehicles in Major Crackdown

The Imo State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 75 suspects linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and murder, in a sweeping security operation across Imo State.

The State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Owerri, where the suspects were paraded.

Bosso said the arrests were the result of sustained intelligence-driven operations carried out over the past month in collaboration with other security agencies and with support from community stakeholders.

According to him, the coordinated efforts have significantly reduced crime rates across the state, contributing to improved safety for residents and visitors.

“Within the period under review, we arrested a total of 75 criminal suspects for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder, and stealing,” the police chief stated.

He added that the Command recorded major recoveries during the operations, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of live ammunition, two locally made pistols, a Beretta pistol, and six stolen motorcycles.

The Commissioner further revealed that a suspected terrorist was neutralised during one of the operations, marking a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against violent crime in the state.

Providing details of specific incidents, Bosso recounted that on March 3, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call from Stanley Unamba, Chief Security Officer of Adapalm, located in Ohaji/Egbema.

According to him, armed men had invaded the facility and set heavy machinery and equipment ablaze.

He explained that when security operatives moved in to confront the attackers, a gun battle ensued, during which one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries.
The injured suspect was later taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

Following the incident, Bosso said security forces intensified operations in the area to track down fleeing members of the gang.

He added that on March 14, the hoodlums resurfaced and again engaged operatives in a gun duel during a surveillance patrol.

However, the suspects were overpowered by security personnel and forced to flee with gunshot wounds, abandoning three AK-47 rifles and magazines loaded with 65 rounds of ammunition.

In another major operation, the police, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, carried out a counter-terrorism raid in Orsu Local Government Area.

Bosso said the operation led to the destruction of a notorious terrorist camp known as “Mother Valley.”
He noted that the terrorists engaged operatives in a fierce gun battle but were eventually subdued due to superior firepower.

During the raid, two terrorists were neutralised, while more than 300 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), including gas cylinders and galvanized pipes, were recovered. Additionally, five exotic vehicles were seized from the camp.

The police boss urged residents of the state to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that community collaboration remains vital in combating crime.

He also assured residents that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid al-Fitr celebration.

Bosso reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining the momentum in its fight against criminality and maintaining law and order across Imo State.