The Imo State Police Command says it has made major strides in the fight against crime, arresting 789 suspects and rescuing several victims of abduction and child trafficking in the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri on Friday. He said the arrests were made in partnership with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, a collaboration he described as “crucial in restoring safety across the state.”
“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 said.
He confirmed that nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued, with most already reunited with their families. A wide array of items were recovered, including 17 firearms, 72 rounds of ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, explosives, and mobile phones.
One of the Command’s key breakthroughs was against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). “On 16th September, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA. On sighting our men, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower. Sixteen suspects, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested,” he said.
Beyond counter-terrorism, police uncovered a child trafficking syndicate. A one-month-old baby—initially declared dead at birth—was rescued and reunited with the mother. Four suspects were arrested, while two accomplices remain at large.
The Commissioner reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safety. “We remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property. These achievements reflect our firm commitment to rid Imo of crime and ensure a safe environment for all. We will not relent until our state is fully secured and peaceful,” he added.
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