Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Police in Imo State have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a stolen motorcycle along with dangerous weapons following an intelligence‑led operation in Owerri, the state capital. The arrests form part of intensified efforts by the Imo State Police Command to tackle violent crime, protect residents, and dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
According to the command’s spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police Henry Okoye, operatives attached to the New Owerri Divisional Headquarters acted on credible intelligence that led them to the suspects’ hideout on April 3, 2026. The operation followed days of tips from the public and field investigations aimed at disrupting armed robbery activities in the city.
The suspects, identified as Sohnani Bitrus, 25, and Burfa Selkap, 25, are both natives of Langtang Local Government Area in Plateau State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the pair had earlier robbed a resident at his home in Owerri in the early hours of the morning, threatening him with a firearm and unlawfully seizing his red Daylong motorcycle, registration number NWA765QT. The stolen motorcycle was recovered by police as part of the evidence.
In addition to the motorcycle, a pump‑action rifle and a machete were recovered at the hideout located in Okwu‑Uratta within Owerri North Local Government Area. The recovery of the firearm and machete underscores the serious nature of the offences under investigation.
The suspects will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for further investigation and consolidation of evidence. Authorities said this step is aimed at identifying any accomplices still at large and building a strong case for prosecution.
The Imo State Police Command emphasized that the arrests were part of proactive, intelligence‑led policing, relying on community cooperation and timely information. In recent months, the command has intensified operations against criminal networks involved in armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, recovering weapons, stolen vehicles, and other illicit items.
The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining security, particularly during periods of high movement and festive seasons. He encouraged residents to continue providing credible information to the nearest police station or through official emergency contact lines to aid law enforcement efforts.
Armed robbery remains a significant concern in the region, with criminal gangs often targeting individuals and businesses in isolated areas or during early morning hours. The Imo State Police Command has consistently reiterated that such violent acts will be met with decisive action and that offenders will be prosecuted under relevant laws.
The recent arrests highlight the importance of intelligence‑driven policing, rapid response, and community engagement in disrupting criminal activities. Authorities have assured residents that further updates will be provided as investigations continue and urged the public to remain vigilant and supportive of security efforts to ensure safety and stability across Imo State.
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