The Imo State Police Command has reported the dismantling of several criminal hideaways, resulting in the apprehension of 2,785 individuals linked to various crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, and child trafficking. The command also announced the seizure of 20 pump-action shotguns, 14 AK-47s, two general purpose machine guns, and four homemade rocket launchers, among other armaments. A press release from the command’s representative, DSP Henry Okoye, indicated that these successful operations were undertaken over a period of more than six months by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in partnership with other divisions. The operations not only led to the arrest of suspects but also facilitated the rescue of 58 victims of kidnapping and 2.23 abducted children, many of whom have been reunited with their families. Furthermore, the investigations into these cases yielded a significant amount of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. The seized items consisted of two general-purpose machine guns, 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action shotguns, four improvised rocket launchers, seven gas cylinder bombs, locally manufactured hand grenades, various types of live ammunition, cartridges, and a range of criminal artifacts, among other things. Notable individuals apprehended included Amechi Onyebuchi, 38, Ozioma Ihedoro, 39, Cyprian Ikpegbunam, 50, and Uchenna Opara, 30. The individuals apprehended were reported to be part of a well-known criminal organization involved in various assaults on security forces and public infrastructure in Njaba LGA. The spokesperson for the command mentioned that the arrests were executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who acted on reliable intelligence in collaboration with other tactical teams. Okoye revealed that during questioning, the suspects admitted to the kidnapping and killing of Emmanuel Oguzie, reportedly under the orders of a gang leader named Asari, who is still on the command’s wanted list. In a related incident, two suspected kidnappers, Uche Nwachukwu, 24, and Chinonso Ozirim, 32, were taken into custody for the abduction of Mr. Anayo Iwuoha from his home in Akabo, Ikeduru LGA, on June 20, 2025. Okoye reported that the syndicate kept the victim at Ozirim’s house and demanded a ransom of N2.2 million before a coordinated operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes rescued the victim and captured the suspects. He also noted that efforts to locate other fleeing accomplices are ongoing. Additionally, Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna, 36, also was arrested; he is a known member of the Vikings Confraternity from Orlu LGA. Ogbonna had been evading capture for two years after the violent killing of a young man named “Pikin,” who was wrongfully perceived as a rival cult member and was attacked with knives by Ogbonna and three accomplices. He was recently caught by Orlu Division officers for burglary and theft, but after additional investigation and being moved to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, he was recognized as one of the cult members responsible for the horrific murder. “According to Okoye, all the suspects will be brought to court once the investigation is finished.”
