Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 24 suspects during coordinated combing operations across forested areas in Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede, and Okolochi communities in the Owerri West Local Government Area.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the development to PUNCH Metro on Monday.
According to him, the operation was led by the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam, and involved over 250 police officers and vigilante operatives deployed to suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the affected communities.
Okoye disclosed that some of the arrested suspects were identified as Jonah Abotu, 21; Abel John, 22; Ibrahim Ubande, 40; Peter Samuel, 28; Kabiru Yahaya, 20; and Yahaya Adamu, 22.
He added that items recovered from the suspects included weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa, more than six unregistered motorcycles, and other incriminating items.
The police spokesperson disclosed that all the suspects had been transferred to the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Okoye said the operation was part of proactive security measures ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes reported in parts of Owerri West LGA.
He stated, “The operation targeted suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the forested areas with the aim of completely eradicating criminal activities and restoring public confidence in the affected communities.
“During the operation, a total of 24 suspects were arrested from different locations within the forest.
“Exhibits recovered from some of the suspects include weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa, over six unregistered motorcycles, and other incriminating items.”
Okoye further stated that the police commissioner had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against all forms of criminality across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
The latest operation comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Eziobodo and neighbouring communities, where residents have repeatedly complained about kidnappings and attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders.
Residents of Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, had in recent weeks staged a peaceful protest, calling on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to flush out criminal elements from the area.
The protest followed the killing of a resident, Chimuanya Eke, who was reportedly shot by suspected herders while on his way to buy drugs for his child. He later died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, leaving behind a wife and five children.
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