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The Imo state police command has arrested 75 suspects over a range of criminal offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder, theft, child trafficking and terrorism.
Parading the suspects on Wednesday, Audu Garba Bosso, the state commissioner of police, said the arrests followed “intensified, proactive and intelligence-driven policing” carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
Bosso noted that the coordinated efforts have contributed to a reduction in crime across the state, improving safety for residents and visitors.
He added that several weapons and stolen items were recovered during the operations, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of live ammunition, two locally made pistols, a Beretta pistol, and six stolen motorcycles.
The CP explained that on March 3, operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit responded to a distress call from the Adapalm facility in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, where suspected IPOB/ESN members had set heavy equipment ablaze.
“Security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle, during which one suspect was shot and later died in the hospital. His body was deposited in the mortuary for autopsy and investigation,” he said.
“Following the incident, security was reinforced in the area. On March 14, operatives on surveillance encountered the suspects again, leading to another exchange of gunfire. The attackers fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning three AK-47 rifles and magazines loaded with 65 rounds of ammunition.”
In a separate operation conducted between February and March, police, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, carried out a counter-terrorism mission in Orsu LGA. The operation led to the destruction of an IPOB/ESN camp known as “Mother Valley”.
He said during the raid, two suspects were killed, while others escaped with injuries.
Security operatives reportedly recovered more than 300 improvised explosive devices, including those concealed in gas cylinders and pipes, as well as five exotic vehicles.
Bosso urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality.
He also said adequate security measures have been put in place ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, including the deployment of personnel to strategic locations and traffic control measures across the state.
He advised residents and travellers to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive period.
