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The Imo State Police Command has announced a sweeping crackdown on organized crime and terrorism Sunday, revealing the arrest of 147 suspects, the rescue of seven kidnap victims, and the recovery of a significant cache of weapons in a two-month security offensive targeting violent criminal networks.
In a press release issued May 25, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma disclosed that coordinated intelligence-led operations across the state led to the dismantling of kidnapping syndicates and the neutralization of five armed suspects linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) wing. Among those arrested was a high-profile spiritual adviser to an ESN commander, marking a critical breakthrough in disrupting militant activities.
The operations, conducted between March and May 2025, yielded seven AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven pump-action guns, 178 live cartridges, and motorcycles. Police also seized Biafran separatist materials, including flags and currency, alongside charms allegedly used in criminal activities.
Suspects face charges ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder to child trafficking and terrorism.
On May 20, anti-kidnapping units arrested Ozioma Ihedoro, a 37-year-old native doctor from Umuaka, Njaba LGA, who confessed to serving as spiritual advisor to ESN commander “B44.” A raid on his shrine uncovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition. “He is providing vital intelligence to help pursue remaining syndicate members,” the statement noted.
A day earlier, a joint security team apprehended three armed robbery suspects — Chinonso Anayo (24), Emmanuel John (21), and Ifeanyi John (20) — during a surveillance operation in Isiagu, Ebonyi State. Recoveries included a stolen motorcycle, firearms, and cartridges.
CP Danjuma has praised the officers’ resilience and reaffirmed the Command’s collaboration with security agencies to “eliminate kidnapping and violent crimes.” He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via the emergency line 0803 477 3600.
