The Imo State Police Command says it has arrested 789 suspects and rescued several victims of kidnapping and child trafficking in the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri on Friday. He credited the success to collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders.
“In the last two months, the Command arrested a total of 789 criminal suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism, to terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, stealing, and receiving stolen property,” Danjuma stated.
He said nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued, most of whom have been reunited with their families. Seized items included 17 firearms, 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, explosives, charms, laptops, mobile phones, and “Biafra currencies.”
Highlighting a major breakthrough, Danjuma announced the arrest of suspected IPOB/ESN leaders, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, after a gun battle at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA.
He also reported the arrest of a suspected terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, who allegedly confessed to multiple attacks.
Beyond counter-terrorism efforts, the Command dismantled a child trafficking ring, rescuing a one-month-old baby initially declared dead at birth. Four suspects were arrested, while two others remain at large.
Danjuma also confirmed the arrest of four members of the Vikings Confraternity in Isiala Mbano, with pistols and live cartridges recovered.
The Commissioner thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their support, assuring residents of the Command’s resolve to keep Imo safe.
“We remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property. We will not relent until our state is fully secured and peaceful,” he said.