Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Imo State Police Command has arrested 24 suspects during an intensive security operation in forested areas across communities in Owerri West Local Government Area, including Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede and Okolochi. The operation was carried out by operatives of the police command in collaboration with vigilantes of the Imo State Security Organisation. It was led by the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam, and involved the deployment of over 250 police personnel and vigilante operatives. The raid targeted suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the forests with the aim of completely eradicating criminal activities and restoring public confidence in the affected communities, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye. The statement noted that the exercise was initiated following directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, to address rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes reported in parts of Owerri West LGA.
Some of the arrested suspects were identified as Jonah Abotu, 21; Abel John, 22; Ibrahim Ubande, 40; Peter Samuel, 28; Kabiru Yahaya, 20; and Yahaya Adamu, 22. Items reportedly recovered from some of the suspects included weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa, more than six unregistered motorcycles, and other incriminating items. The suspects have been transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for thorough investigation and possible prosecution. The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against all forms of criminality across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 or 09116606669. He assured the public that coordinated operations would be sustained across the state until all criminal elements are completely flushed out of their hideouts.
The operation comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Eziobodo and neighbouring communities, where residents have repeatedly complained about kidnappings and attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders. Residents of Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, had in recent weeks staged a peaceful protest, calling on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to flush out criminal elements from the area. The protest followed the killing of a resident, Chimuanya Eke, who was reportedly shot by suspected herders while on his way to buy drugs for his child. He later died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, leaving behind a wife and five children. The police command has reassured the public that such coordinated operations would be sustained until criminal hideouts are completely dismantled.
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