The Imo State Police Command said it has arrested no fewer than 2,785 suspects linked to various offences, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and child trafficking.
In a press statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the arrests followed six months of coordinated operations led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with other tactical divisions and formations.
Among the major breakthroughs were the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 trafficked children, many of whom have since been safely reunited with their families.
The Command also made significant weapons recoveries, including: 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action shotguns, 2general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), 4 rocket launchers, 7 gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, assorted live ammunition and cartridges, charms and other illicit materials.
He gave the names of some of the key suspects apprehended include: Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50) and Uchenna Opara (30).
The suspects, he said, were part of a notorious gang behind repeated attacks on security personnel and public infrastructure in Njaba Local Government Area.
“They reportedly confessed to the kidnap and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly on the orders of a gang leader known as Asari, who remains at large and is on the police wanted list,” the PPRO states.
In another operation, two suspected kidnappers, Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32), were arrested for abducting Mr. Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo, Ikeduru LGA on June 20, 2025.
“The suspects allegedly held the victim at Ozirim’s house and collected a ransom of N2.2 million.
“A joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to the victim’s rescue and the arrest of the culprits,” Ndukwe said.
Also, Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36), a suspected known member of the Vikings Confraternity, was arrested in Orlu LGA.
“Ogbonna had been evading arrest for two years after he and three others reportedly butchered a young man, nicknamed Pikin, in a case of mistaken identity. Initially arrested for burglary and theft, further profiling linked him to the cult-related murder,” the police spokesperson said.
According to him, all the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
DSP Okoye emphasized that the Imo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, remains committed to ridding the state of criminal elements.
“These operations underscore our resolve to ensure that Imo State remains unsafe for criminals.
“We urge members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing credible information,” he stated.
