Imo Police Commissioner Reaffirms Commitment to Crime-Fighting, Parades 789 Suspects, Recovers Illegal Arms
By Anselem Anokwute, Owerri
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to tackle crime and criminality head-on across the state. Speaking during a press briefing in Owerri, the CP highlighted a series of successful operations carried out in recent weeks, leading to the arrest of hundreds of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms, ammunition, and other illegal items.
According to CP Danjuma, between July and mid-September 2025, the Command, working in synergy with sister security agencies and local stakeholders, arrested 789 criminal suspects involved in various offenses including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, child trafficking, terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, and murder.
Notably, nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued and have been reunited with their families. The Command also recovered 17 firearms, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and locally fabricated weapons, alongside 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, several IEDs, laptops, phones, Biafran currencies, hard drugs, and counterfeit currency.
Major Breakthroughs Against IPOB/ESN Terrorists
A significant breakthrough was the arrest of several suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in possession of arms, ammunition, and incriminating materials, including financial records. Investigations are ongoing to trace their sponsors and financiers.
Joint security operations in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, and Njaba LGAs resulted in the dismantling of several terrorist camps, further crippling their capacity to coordinate violent attacks.
As part of this ongoing effort, intelligence-led operations led officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, headed by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the Special Intervention Squad, led by CSP Gboyako Shaba Adamu, to storm an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA on September 16, 2025.
The hoodlums engaged the operatives in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered. Sixteen suspects, including their sub-commanders, Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested. Items recovered from the camp included two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and criminal charms.
Similarly, on September 9, 2025, a notorious terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, was arrested in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli LGA. During interrogation, he confessed to multiple violent attacks carried out with his gang.
Child Trafficking Syndicate Busted
In a separate operation, the Command’s Anti-Vice Unit uncovered a child trafficking syndicate and rescued a one-month-old baby who had been deceitfully declared dead at birth. The baby was reunited with her mother, Precious Ochasi of Ohuba, Ohaji.
Investigations revealed that the mother’s partner, a self-styled pastor, conspired with a nurse named Blessing and a trafficking agent identified as Chioma (both currently at large), to sell the baby for ₦900,000. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
Cultists Arrested in Isiala Mbano
Meanwhile, four suspected cultists were arrested during an intelligence-led raid at their hideout in Amaraku, Isiala Mbano LGA. Locally fabricated pistols and live cartridges were recovered. The suspects confessed to being members of the Vikings Confraternity, and investigations are underway to track down other fleeing members.
Commendations and Assurances
CP Danjuma extended gratitude to the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his unwavering support in the areas of logistics and personnel welfare, which have enhanced the Command’s operations. He also acknowledged the support and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
He concluded by reassuring residents of Imo State of the Command’s firm dedication to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
“We remain resolute in our mission to rid Imo State of crime and make it safe for all. These recent successes are only the beginning. We will not relent until peace and security are fully restored,” the Commissioner stated.