The Imo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, following coordinated operations carried out across the state within the past one week.
This was disclosed during a press briefing addressed by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso PSC(+), MNIPS, who said the achievements were made possible through intelligence driven policing, collaboration with sister security agencies and support from community stakeholders.
According to the Commissioner, a total of 15 criminal suspects were arrested for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and terrorism linked to the proscribed IPOB and ESN groups, to child trafficking, murder and stealing. He added that one kidnapped victim and one stolen child were successfully rescued and reunited with their respective families during the period under review.
CP Bosso further revealed that the Command recovered a large cache of weapons and other incriminating items from the suspects. These include 10 firearms comprising four AK 47 rifles, one LAR rifle and five pump action guns, as well as 260 GPMG live ammunition, 240 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 280 live cartridges. Other items recovered include 10 improvised explosives, 11 machetes, five stolen motorcycles, 32 vehicle registration number plates, 32 mobile phones, five laptops, a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, two walkie talkies, IPOB and ESN insignia, counterfeit currency and criminal charms.
One of the major breakthroughs highlighted at the briefing was the arrest of five notorious kidnapping suspects identified as Chinonso Ugochukwu, Chibuzor Okafor, Ohaka Chukwuka, Ezekwe Chizoba and Ezekwe Chinyere, all from Orsuobodo in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. The suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in a series of IPOB and ESN related terrorism, kidnapping, murder and other violent crimes within Oguta and neighbouring communities.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one LAR rifle, three AK 47 rifles without breach numbers, three pump action guns, 30 rounds of live cartridges, locally made explosives, criminal charms, IPOB and ESN insignia and currency.
During interrogation, one of the suspects, Chinonso Ugochukwu, also known as Bob Adam, aged 31, identified as an IPOB and ESN sub commander, reportedly confessed to the group’s involvement in several kidnappings and murders. He further provided information that led to the discovery and exhumation of multiple corpses buried in shallow graves within a forest. Among the exhumed bodies were those alleged to be Pastor Chima, Jeremiah and Ugochi Nwabueze, all from Orsuobodo in Oguta Local Government Area.
In a similar operation, operatives of the Command’s Anti Kidnapping Unit arrested two suspects, Amucha Nkemdirim Innocent and Michael Okafor, both of Umuakagu Nsu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, for alleged involvement in terrorism, kidnapping and murder within their community. Two pump action guns and nine rounds of live ammunition were recovered from them.
The suspects reportedly confessed to the shooting and murder of one Onyebuchi Anthony Njoku in Umuakagu Nsu, as well as the kidnapping of Nnamdi Ali and Ohaeri Nathaniel Onyema. According to the suspects, the victims are currently being held hostage at an IPOB camp in Okigwe, while coordinated intelligence led operations are ongoing to rescue them.
The Police Command also announced the arrest of Chinaemerem Ogamba of Ubaheze Omoma in Oru East Local Government Area for the murder of one Izanga of the same area. A locally made pistol was recovered from the suspect, who allegedly confessed to being a member of the proscribed IPOB and ESN group. He claimed that he murdered the victim over allegations that the deceased had killed his elder brother, Arinze Ogamba.
Commending the officers and men of the Anti Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams, CP Bosso praised their bravery, professionalism and commitment to duty. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid Imo State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner assured that all suspects arrested during the period under review would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. He also called on residents of the state to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information, assuring that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
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