Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested twelve suspects linked to kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes, while also rescuing three abducted victims and recovering a cache of arms during coordinated security operations across the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Owerri, noting that the achievements were recorded through sustained intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso.
According to Okoye, the suspects were apprehended in separate operations led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa. The operations also led to the recovery of dangerous weapons, including one AK-47 rifle, two locally made double-barrel guns, four locally fabricated pistols, and two live cartridges.
Other items recovered from the suspects include a blue Toyota Highlander SUV without registration, an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK Jeep with registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorcycles, a Sumec generator set, and eight branded cult caps.
The police intensified their operations following recent kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of five passengers along Obokofia Road in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and another victim in New Owerri.
Acting on credible intelligence, security operatives, in collaboration with the Egbema Police Division, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Obokofia.
During the operation, three kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, while seven suspected gang members were arrested. Other members of the gang reportedly fled and are currently being tracked.
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Among those arrested are Eric John, also known as “Yahoo Welder,” from Ughelli South LGA of Delta State; Light Chukwuma Obinna, 18; Sylvester Nnadike, 60; Destiny Albert, 22; and Caroline Oziomele, 25, all from Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang had already collected ₦5 million from one victim’s family and demanded an additional ₦50 million ransom before the victim was rescued.
One of the rescued victims also identified Eric John as a member of the gang responsible for his abduction.
In a separate operation, police arrested five suspected members of the Senior Vikings Confraternity (SVC) in Owerri West LGA.
The suspects reportedly confessed to participating in a cult initiation ceremony in Umuome, Umuguma, which led to the death of an unidentified individual.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, the Commissioner of Police assured residents that efforts to combat crime would be intensified.
He emphasized continued collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure all offenders are brought to justice.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency line, stressing that timely information is crucial to safeguarding lives and property.
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