The Imo State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate believed to be responsible for terrorizing residents in Obinze, Avu, and surrounding areas.
The suspects were also involved in the abduction of a 26-year-old woman from her home in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area.
The arrested suspects include Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto State; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw Local Government in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris, 35, also from Sokoto State.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, explained that the police responded swiftly to a report of the kidnapping that occurred on August 18, 2024. The Commissioner of Police immediately deployed the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit with all available resources to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
“The Command, in response to a reported kidnapping of a 26-year-old woman from her residence in Obinze, on August 18, 2024, swung into action,” Okoye said.
He added, “The Commissioner of Police promptly deployed the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit with all available operational resources and intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.”
The police targeted a forest hideout in Avu, where they successfully located the suspects. The operatives were able to rescue the victim unharmed and arrest the suspects.
“Items recovered from the suspects include one pump-action gun, five cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and various criminal charms,” Okoye added.
The Police Command is continuing its investigation to capture the remaining members of the gang and ensure they face the full extent of the law.
