The Imo State Police Command has arrested 147 individuals in connection with a range of serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and child trafficking, in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
Spokesperson for the command, Henry Okoye, disclosed on Sunday that the arrests were part of a broader intelligence-led crackdown targeting criminal syndicates operating in the region.
Among the suspects apprehended was a 37-year-old native doctor, Ozioma Ihedoro, arrested on May 20 in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area.
Ihedoro had been on the police watchlist and is alleged to be the spiritual adviser to a key commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, identified as “B44.”
“Following thorough investigations and intelligence-led operations, 147 suspects were arrested for crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, stealing, receiving stolen property, child trafficking, and terrorism,” said Okoye.
The operations also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons.
The police seized seven AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, seven pump-action guns, seven locally-made long guns, and 178 live cartridges.
In addition to arrests and seizures, Okoye revealed that seven kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during the sweep.
Another key arrest occurred on May 19 when the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and operatives from the Njaba Division apprehended three young armed robbery suspects during a surveillance mission.
The suspects were identified as Chinonso Anayo (24), also known as Pablo, Emmanuel John (21), and Ifeanyi John (20).
Items recovered from them included a Q-Link motorcycle, two pump-action guns, and 15 live cartridges.
During the search of Ihedoro’s shrine, officers discovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and seven live rounds.
According to Okoye, the suspect is currently assisting investigators with intelligence aimed at dismantling the wider criminal network.
“Over the past two months, the Imo State Police Command has intensified efforts to improve the security situation in the state. These operations, executed under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, have significantly curbed crime,” Okoye stated.
CP Aboki Danjuma commended his officers for their commitment and assured the public that the command remains dedicated to protecting lives and property.
He urged citizens to stay alert and report suspicious behavior to nearby police formations.
