As part of preparations to ensure a hitch-free Christmas celebration, operatives of the Imo State Police Command have raided several hideouts of suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cult members, arresting multiple suspects in coordinated operations carried out in recent days.
The raids, led by the Head of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, resulted in the recovery of arms and ammunition.
This was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye.
The statement reads: “The Imo State Police Command has recorded yet another series of remarkable operational breakthroughs in line with the mandate of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, to decisively stamp out violent crimes and criminal networks across the state…”
“Through intensified operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, operatives dismantled several syndicates, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered three (3) pump-action guns, two (2) AK-47 rifles, one (1) locally made pistol, thirty-one (31) rounds of ammunition and thirty-seven (37) live cartridges.”
According to Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, several suspects were arrested across different operations. “In one operation, officers arrested Odinaka Ekwebelem, Ejike Sunday, and Chinedu Duru, linked to the abduction of a young man at Faith Glorious Assembly Church, Awo-Omamma on 16/11/2025. Acting on intelligence, operatives traced the gang to a forest, rescued the victims unharmed, and recovered two (2) assault rifles.”
He continued: “In another case, operatives arrested 26-year-old Frank Onyemaechi of Ama-Asaa, Ngugu, Ikeduru LGA, after receiving credible information. A search of his phone revealed disturbing images of deceased and kidnapped persons. A follow-up search led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and the arrest of his wife, 24-year-old Chidimma Onyemaechi, who attempted to hide the weapon.”
Okoye disclosed that additional arrests were made in other raids. “In a different development, operatives raided a criminal hideout in Nchoko, Oru-East, arresting 22-year-old Nkwusi Tochukwu Casmir, 29-year-old Uchenna Ike, and 27-year-old Ikwunna David. The suspects confessed to being members of the NBM cult group terrorising the area. The Unit is pursuing additional fleeing accomplices linked to the group.”
He said progress was also recorded in tackling armed robbery and vehicle snatching. “Similarly, while responding to reports of armed robbery and vehicle snatching, operatives confronted another gang attacking motorists at gunpoint. During the suspects’ escape attempt, one driver tragically lost his life after being attacked. The operatives arrested 25-year-old Okon Uket of Akwa Ibom and 25-year-old Uzoma Ezugo of Asaa in Ohaji LGA, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining gang members.”
Okoye stated that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be charged to court. He added that the Commissioner of Police remains committed to combating crime in all 27 local government areas of the state.
“All arrested suspects will be thoroughly investigated and subsequently arraigned in court on the appropriate criminal charges.
“The Commissioner of Police reassures Imolites of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and peaceful yuletide season across the State. He urges residents to remain calm, vigilant, law-abiding, and to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic,” he added.
