The Nigeria Police Force, Imo State Command, has arrested 184 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state, rescued three kidnapped victims, and recovered two human skulls, AK-47 rifles, and other incriminating items. The arrests were made between June and July 2026, following coordinated raids targeting criminal networks involved in kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, murder, defilement, rape, and sexual assault. State Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso disclosed the details during a press briefing at the Command’s Headquarters in Owerri, where some of the suspects were paraded.
Bosso explained that the operations were driven by credible intelligence and led to the seizure of two AK-47 rifles, eleven AK-47 magazines, three M16 rifle magazines, five locally made double-barrel guns, four locally made pistols, and cut-to-size firearms. A total of 382 rounds of assorted ammunition were also recovered, including 138 rounds of AK-47, 148 rounds of M16, 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta pistol, and 20 rounds of General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). In addition, the police discovered human skulls and items suspected to be charms, raising concerns about ritualistic activities linked to the criminal elements.
One major operation was launched in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area after statements from rescued victims led to the discovery of a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Egbema Creek, Rivers State. The raid dismantled criminal camps and resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, along with the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, sixteen rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and several locally made guns. Investigations revealed that the same gang was responsible for the killing of two Imo State Homeland Security personnel in Umuguma, Owerri West LGA, on May 16, 2026, during an attempted kidnapping of Mrs. Betty Oluchi Dike. Authorities are still pursuing other fleeing members of the syndicate.
On July 7, 2026, another operation in the Obiakpu swamps of Ohaji/Egbema LGA yielded an additional cache of 346 live rounds of ammunition, including 122 rounds of AK-47, 148 rounds of M16, and 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta. In a separate case, a 58-year-old man, Nduka Iheme of Umuakabia, Orsu LGA, was arrested on June 24, 2026, for allegedly sexually abusing two minors. The suspect lured the victims to his home under false pretenses of job offers. Another suspect, 19-year-old Chijoke Johnson from Akpuru Nnorie, Ngor-Okpala LGA, was apprehended for allegedly defiling an 8-year-old girl who visited his residence to fetch water.
Commissioner Bosso emphasized that the operations reflect the Command’s firm commitment to eliminating criminal havens in Imo State. He assured residents that investigations are ongoing to dismantle all criminal networks and urged the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement. “Together, we will keep Imo safe and secure,” he said, reinforcing the police’s pledge to protect lives and property across the state.
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