The Imo State Police Command has arrested 24 suspects during a large-scale raid on criminal hideouts in forested areas of Owerri West Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out under the directive of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, as part of proactive measures to curb rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime in the region.
According to police spokesperson Henry Okoye, operatives from the Owerri Urban Division, led by Area Commander Michael Abatam, worked alongside vigilante members of the State Security Organization to comb through forests in Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede, and Okomochi communities.
Over 250 police and vigilante personnel were deployed to search suspected black spots and flush out criminal elements believed to be operating from the area. The goal, Okoye said, was to dismantle hideouts and restore public confidence in affected communities.
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Among those arrested were Jonah Abotu, 21; Abel John, 22; Ibrahim Ubande, 40; Peter Samuel, 28; Kabiru Yahaya, 20; and Yahaya Adamu, 22, along with others. Exhibits recovered include substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, more than six unregistered motorcycles, and other incriminating items.
The suspects have been transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
CP Bosso described the operation as successful and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive crackdowns on criminality across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through the emergency lines 0803 477 3600 and 09116606669.
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