Imo Police Announce Major Arrests, Recover Weapons and Drugs in January Crackdown

The Imo State Police Command has reported a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime, with the detention of 25 suspects linked to various violent offences in January.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the achievements were attributed to enhanced security strategies implemented by the Commissioner of Police, AIG Aboki Danjuma.

According to Okoye, sustained operations by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams led to the arrests. The suspects are being held for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug peddling, terrorism, murder, and child trafficking.

During investigations, operatives recovered four assault rifles, 25 cartridges, two vehicles, three motorcycles, approximately 1,200kg (35 bags) of marijuana, stolen aluminium roofing sheets, and other exhibits.

“Prominent among those arrested are suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” Okoye stated.

He listed some of the ESN suspects as Eririogu Chukwuebuka, Ezemonye Orji, and Kelechi Michael. The suspects were allegedly involved in the 2021 murder of two traditional rulers in Njaba Local Government Area Eze E. Durueburuo of Okwudo Autonomous Community and Eze Sampson Osunwa of Ihebinowere Autonomous Community. They also face allegations of kidnapping and armed robbery.

From this group, police recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, seven cartridges, and charms.

In a separate operation, police intercepted a bus in Oguta Local Government Area and arrested two alleged drug peddlers transporting 35 bags of suspected marijuana. Okoye stated this arrest was part of efforts to disrupt criminal logistics and curb the spread of hard drugs.

Acting on intelligence, operatives also arrested a wanted ESN suspect, Ezen Chinonso Ugochukwu, whose confession led to the dismantling of a camp in Orsu Obodo. At the camp, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, an LAR rifle, a pump-action gun, and 22 rounds of live ammunition. Ugochukwu allegedly confessed to his syndicate’s involvement in multiple murders, including that of a pastor and a pregnant woman.

All suspects and recovered exhibits are in custody for further investigation and arraignment. The Police Commissioner reiterated his commitment to sustaining the pressure on criminal networks to ensure public safety.

The command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, providing the contact number 08034773600 for timely information.