Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
OWERRI, Nigeria – Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested four male suspects during a security operation across forested areas in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, as part of ongoing proactive measures to deny criminal elements safe havens and improve security in the region. The operation was carried out by officers of the Ohaji Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Mathias Abah, in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, June 11, 2026. He said the operatives combed forested areas in Assa, Ohuba, Adapalm Plantation and adjoining communities on June 10, 2026, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, mandating sustained forest-clearing operations across the state to enhance the safety of lives and property.
Okoye stated that the operation involved a thorough combing of identified locations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens and sustaining peace and security within the area. During the exercise, four male suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.
The latest operation comes barely two weeks after 24 suspects were arrested during a large-scale forest-clearing exercise in Owerri West Local Government Area. On May 25, 2026, the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam, led more than 250 police officers and vigilante operatives on an intensive combing operation across thick forests in Eziobodo, Ihiagwa and Okolochi communities, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Residents of Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, and neighbouring communities have repeatedly raised concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and attacks allegedly perpetrated by armed criminals operating from nearby forests. The concerns intensified following the killing of Chimuanya Eke, who was reportedly shot while on his way to purchase medication for his child. He later died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, leaving behind his wife and five children. The incident sparked protests by residents of Eziobodo and surrounding communities, who called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security and flush out criminal elements from the area.
The Imo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to sustaining proactive security measures across the state and has urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of all citizens.
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