The Imo State Police Command has recovered 450 suspected stolen motorcycles, rescued a kidnapped victim, and dismantled a criminal syndicate operating across parts of the state in a major security operation.
The Command also recovered ₦6,495,900 in cash, believed to be proceeds of criminal activities, along with other incriminating items linked to the suspects.
Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the operation was carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, and executed by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa.
He explained that the breakthrough followed a coordinated investigation into a reported armed robbery incident, which led to multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen vehicles and motorcycles across different locations.
According to the Command, two suspects were arrested after a distress call from the owner of a shuttle bus company in Owerri North Local Government Area.
The complainant reported that his driver, who had left with the vehicle earlier in the month, failed to return as scheduled.
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The driver was later discovered unconscious along the Onitsha Road axis in Irete, while the bus had been stolen by unidentified assailants.
He was taken to hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
Further investigations led police operatives to a workshop in Orlu, where the stolen bus was reportedly being repainted in an attempt to conceal its identity before being recovered.
Additional arrests were made as the probe expanded, with suspects allegedly linked to a wider network of vehicle theft and motorcycle trafficking. One of the arrested individuals was identified as a receiver of stolen vehicles.
The police also disclosed that 13 motorcycles were recovered from a single location, bringing the total number seized during the operation to 450.
Authorities further revealed that suspects attempted to bribe operatives with ₦5 million, but the offer was rejected, in line with the Command’s anti-corruption policy.
The Command said investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend other members of the fleeing syndicate.
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