Imo State Police Achieve Major Breakthrough With Arrest Of 2,785 Suspected Criminals.
The Imo State Police Command has announced a significant victory in its ongoing battle against crime, with the arrest of 2,785 suspects linked to various criminal activities across the state. The operation, conducted between January and June 2025, targeted individuals involved in serious offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, child trafficking, cultism, and terrorism allegedly linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). This sweeping crackdown has also led to the rescue of over 100 victims, marking a major step forward in restoring peace and security in the region.
Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams executed a series of intelligence-driven operations, resulting in the apprehension of suspects and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons. Among the items seized were two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action shotguns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder improvised explosive devices (IEDs), locally made hand grenades, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition. Additionally, Biafran flags and various charms were confiscated from criminal hideouts, underscoring the scale of the operations.
The police efforts have yielded significant results in victim rescue, with 58 kidnapped individuals and 42 stolen children safely recovered and reunited with their families. A notable raid on an IPOB/ESN camp in Njaba led to the arrest of key suspects, including 38-year-old Amechi Onyebuchi, 39-year-old Ozioma Ihedoro, 50-year-old Cyprian Ikpegbunam, and 30-year-old Uchenna Opara. These individuals are alleged to have been involved in attacks on security formations and public infrastructure in the Njaba Local Government Area. During interrogations, the suspects reportedly confessed to the kidnapping and murder of Emmanuel Oguzie, acting under the orders of a fugitive ESN commander known as “Asari.”
Commissioner Danjuma praised the public’s cooperation, noting that credible information from residents played a crucial role in the success of these operations. He urged the people of Imo to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency hotlines: 0803 477 3600 and 08148024755. “The Imo State Police Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring a safer environment for all residents,” Danjuma stated.
The operations also saw the neutralisation of five armed suspects during gun battles, alongside the rescue of seven kidnapped victims in separate raids. The police have intensified security measures, including collaboration with local vigilantes for confidence-building patrols, to maintain peace in the state. Among other recoveries were three motorcycles, various denominations of Biafran currency, and four Biafran flags, further disrupting the activities of separatist groups.
This crackdown follows earlier successes reported by the command, including the arrest of 147 suspects in May 2025 for crimes ranging from kidnapping to human trafficking, and the apprehension of four suspected kidnappers in March 2025 in a forest in Irete, Owerri West. These consistent efforts highlight the Imo State Police Command’s determination to combat crime and restore public confidence.
As investigations continue to track down remaining syndicate members, the police have reiterated their call for community support in the fight against crime. The commissioner emphasised that policing is a collective responsibility and encouraged residents to work hand in hand with security agencies to ensure Imo remains a safe place for all.
