Commissioner of Police, Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has said that his command has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against crime and insecurity, arresting more than 789 criminal suspects within the past two months.
Danjuma disclosed this during a press briefing held on Friday at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Owerri. He said the suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, to child trafficking, murder, and receiving stolen property.
According to him, security operations also led to the rescue of nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children, as well as the recovery of 17 firearms, 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, laptops, mobile phones, charms, counterfeit currency, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
One of the key feats was the dismantling of IPOB/ESN terrorist camps in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, and Njaba LGAs, and the arrest of several notorious sub-commanders. On September 16, operatives stormed a camp in Obudi Agwa, Oguta LGA, arresting 16 suspects, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Ibuaku. Recovered from the camp were rifles, pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, and IPOB flags.
Similarly, a dreaded terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, was arrested on September 9 in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli LGA. He reportedly confessed to multiple violent attacks carried out with his gang.
The Command also uncovered a child trafficking syndicate involving a self-acclaimed pastor and a nurse who conspired to sell a one-month-old baby for ₦900,000. The baby, deceitfully declared dead at birth, was rescued and reunited with the mother, Precious Ochasi of Ohuba, Ohaji. Four suspects linked to the crime were arrested.
In another operation, four cultists were arrested in Amaraku, Isiala Mbano LGA, where fabricated pistols and live cartridges were recovered.
While commending the efforts of security operatives, CP Danjuma appreciated Governor Hope Uzodimma and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for their support in welfare and logistics.
Reassuring residents, he said: “We remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property. These achievements reflect our firm commitment to rid Imo of crime and ensure a safe environment for all. We will not relent until our State is fully secured and peaceful.”
The Commissioner urged Imo citizens to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to aid ongoing operations.
