MO POLICE COMMAND SMASHES KIDNAP GANGS, TRAFFICKERS; RECOVERS ARMS, RESCUES VICTIMS
B Anselem Anokwute, Owerri

The Imo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime and insecurity, with the arrest of hundreds of suspects involved in kidnapping, child trafficking, terrorism, cultism, and other serious offences.

Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, while briefing journalists in Owerri, disclosed that within the past six months, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical formations have arrested 2,785 suspects for various heinous crimes. The operations also led to the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 trafficked children, many of whom have since been reunited with their families.

According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, investigations led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and explosives. These include: 2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG14 AK-47 rifle’s, 20 pump-action shot gun, 4 fabricated rocket launchers,
7 gas-cylinder explosives
Many locally made hand grenades
Assorted rounds of live ammunition and cartridges Biafran flags and criminal charms

Among the key suspects paraded were Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30)—identified as members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN). They were reportedly responsible for multiple attacks on security personnel and public infrastructure in Njaba Local Government Area.

Based on credible intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical squads, raided a suspected IPOB/ESN camp in Njaba, arresting the suspects and seizing high-powered weapons and explosives. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the abduction and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as “Asari.”

In a related case, two suspected kidnappers—Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32)—were arrested in connection with the abduction of Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo on June 20, 2025. The suspects held the victim in Ozirim’s home and extorted ₦2.2 million in ransom. A joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to Iwuoha’s safe rescue and the apprehension of the suspects. A manhunt is currently underway for their fleeing accomplices.

Also arrested was Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36) of Orlu LGA, a notorious member of the Vikings Confraternity. Ogbonna, who had been on the run for two years, was implicated in the gruesome murder of a young man known as “Pikin,” who was mistakenly identified as a rival cultist. He was recently arrested for burglary by officers from the Orlu Division and was later linked to the earlier murder during profiling.

All suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Imo State Police Command has expressed gratitude to the public for their continued cooperation and the provision of credible intelligence. The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant.