The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 179 suspected criminals linked to various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, rape, terrorism-related activities, unlawful possession of firearms, and murder.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed this during a meeting with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, at the Command Headquarters in Owerri.
According to the police commissioner, the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations and coordinated investigations carried out by operatives of the command in a bid to curb criminal activities across the state.
Bosso revealed that the suspects were apprehended for crimes ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to obtaining money under false pretences, receiving stolen property, and alleged terrorism activities connected to suspected IPOB/ESN members.
The police also recovered several weapons and exhibits during the operations, including two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), six AK-47 rifles, 10 pump-action guns, four locally made firearms, one pistol, magazines, assorted live ammunition, suspected stolen vehicles, motorcycles, criminal charms, and a human skull.
Related News:
Police Arrest Two Over Gunpoint Robbery in Imo
Police foil terrorist attack, gun suspect down in Imo
Police Recover 450 Stolen Motorcycles, Rescue Victim in Major Imo Crackdown
Imo Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Black Axe Suspect After Nekede Shooting
He added that while some of the suspects have already been charged to court, investigations are still ongoing for others.
Among those arrested was a man identified as Uchenna Mmaduakolam, popularly known as “Ebube Virus,” who was described by the police as a suspected commander of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The 43-year-old suspect, from Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, was allegedly linked to several violent attacks in parts of Imo State.
The commissioner further disclosed that six other suspected IPOB/ESN members were arrested during separate operations across the state.
Bosso reaffirmed the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to sustaining efforts aimed at tackling insecurity and ensuring the safety of residents.
About the Author
