September 23, (THEWILL) — The Imo State Police Command says it has arrested 789 suspects and rescued 16 victims in a series of security operations carried out in the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri.
He said the arrests were linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, terrorism associated with IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, and murder.
Danjuma said police operatives also rescued nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children, most of whom have been reunited with their families.
Recovered exhibits include 17 firearms—among them AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns—72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), charms, laptops, phones, Biafra currencies, hard drugs, and counterfeit notes.
A major breakthrough was recorded on September 16, when operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the Special Intervention Squad, led by CSP Gboyako Shaba Adamu, stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa, Oguta LGA. Sixteen suspects, including alleged sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Ibuaku, were arrested after a gun battle. Arms, ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and charms were also recovered.
Earlier on September 9, police operatives arrested a notorious terror kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA. He reportedly confessed to masterminding several violent attacks in the state.
In another operation, the Anti-Vice Unit uncovered a child trafficking ring in which a one-month-old baby—initially declared dead at birth—was rescued and returned to the mother, Precious Ochasi of Ohaji.
Four suspects were arrested, while others, including a nurse and an alleged trafficking agent, remain at large.
Police also arrested four suspected cultists from the Vikings confraternity in Isiala Mbano LGA. Locally made pistols and live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
CP Danjuma thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for supporting police welfare and logistics, and commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his guidance.
“We remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property. These achievements reflect our firm commitment to rid Imo of crime and ensure a safe environment for all. We will not relent until our state is fully secured and peaceful,” Danjuma said.
