The Imo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against criminal activities, arresting 2,785 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, robbers, cultists, child traffickers, and other criminals across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Henry Okoye, made the announcement in Owerri on Saturday, revealing that the arrests were made over the past six months during coordinated operations led by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma.
“Over the past six months, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other Divisions and Formations, have arrested 2,785 suspects for serious offences including kidnapping, terrorism, murder, armed robbery, cultism, child trafficking, among others,”
Okoye stated.
He said the operations led to the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, all of whom have been safely reunited with their families.
The police also recovered a significant quantity of arms and explosives during these operations.
“Investigations into these cases resulted in the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives, including 2 GPMG, 14 AK-47s, 20 pump-action guns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, assorted rounds of live ammunition, cartridges, Biafran flags, and criminal charms, among others.”
Among those arrested were four alleged members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group: Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30).
They were reportedly responsible for several attacks on security posts and infrastructure in Njaba Local Government Area.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, raided… in Njaba, arrested the suspects, and recovered high-grade weapons and explosives,”
Okoye revealed.
“During interrogation, they confessed to the kidnapping and murder of Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as Asari.”
In a separate operation, the police arrested two suspects; Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32), for the abduction of Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo on June 20, 2025. The kidnappers allegedly demanded and collected a ransom of ₦2.2 million.
“The syndicate held the victim at Chinonso Ozirim’s residence, collecting a ₦2.2 million ransom before a joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to his rescue and the arrest of the suspects. A manhunt is ongoing for their fleeing accomplices.”
Another major suspect, Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36) of Orlu LGA, was also apprehended. Identified as a notorious member of the Vikings Confraternity, Ogbonna was wanted for the brutal 2023 murder of a youth known as “Pikin,” who was mistakenly killed in a gang-related attack.
“Ogbonna had been on the run for two years following the brutal murder of a young man known as ‘Pikin,’ who was mistakenly identified as a rival cultist and butchered with knives by Ogbonna and three other gang members,”
Okoye explained.
Initially arrested for burglary, further profiling linked Ogbonna to the cult murder, prompting his transfer to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Okoye assured that all arrested suspects would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
He also commended the public for their role in the success of these operations, citing the importance of community cooperation.
“The Imo State Police Command appreciates the public’s continued support and credible information, which have greatly aided recent operations. We remain committed to protecting lives and property, and urge residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity via 0813 478 3532 or 0815 802 4755,”
he said.
“Together, we will continue to make Imo State safer and more secure for all.”
