.
The Imo State Police Command has smashed multiple criminal networks across the state, arresting no fewer than 2,785 suspects in a sweeping six-month anti-crime operation that has rattled the underworld.
The operation, carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with tactical squads and local divisions, also led to the rescue of 58 kidnap victims and 42 trafficked children, most of whom have now been reunited with their families.
In a press release issued on Sunday, July 14, by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, authorities confirmed the recovery of a staggering cache of weapons, including 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action guns, two general-purpose machine guns, and four locally fabricated rocket launchers. Explosives, live ammunition, and criminal charms were also seized.
According to the police, some of the suspects apprehended were linked to attacks on security formations and government infrastructure in Njaba Local Government Area. Among them are Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30) — all believed to be key players in a notorious criminal syndicate.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in the abduction and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly acting on orders from a gang leader identified simply as “Asari,” who remains on the police wanted list.
In a separate sting, operatives arrested Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32) for the abduction of Mr. Anayo Iwuoha from Akabo, Ikeduru LGA, on June 20. The victim was held in Ozirim’s residence until a ransom of N2.2 million was paid. He was later rescued in a joint operation involving police and community vigilantes.
DSP Okoye also announced the arrest of 36-year-old Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna, a suspected cultist and fugitive of the Vikings Confraternity, who had been evading capture for two years. Ogbonna was initially nabbed for burglary but was later identified as one of four men who gruesomely murdered a man nicknamed “Pikin” in a case of mistaken identity.
“The suspects will face prosecution once investigations are concluded,” Okoye affirmed, noting that a manhunt is ongoing for fleeing accomplices.
The police have described the bust as one of the largest in recent years and a major step forward in the fight against violent crime in the Southeast region
