Police operatives of the Imo State command have arrested 2,785 suspected terrorists, armed robbers, kidnappers, child traffickers, cult members, among others.

The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this Saturday evening in Owerri.

He disclosed that the operations were carried out at various locations, resulting in rescuing 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, adding that they had been reunited with their families.

Arms and ammunition, he informed, were also recovered from the suspects.

Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), stated that the successes were achieved due to the Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma’s, diligent efforts and intensified fight against crime and criminal syndicates in the 27 local government areas of the state.

He said: “Over the past six months, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other Divisions and Formations, have arrested 2,785 suspects for serious offences including kidnapping, terrorism, murder, armed robbery, cultism, child trafficking, among others. These operations also resulted in the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, many of whom have been joyfully reunited with their families.

“Investigations into these cases resulted in the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives, including 2 GPMG, 14 AK-47s, 20 pump-action guns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, assorted rounds of live ammunition, cartridges, Biafran flags, and criminal charms, among others.”

He listed the suspects as, “Among the key suspects arrested are Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30)—notorious members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. These individuals were responsible for multiple attacks on security formations and public infrastructure in Njaba LGA. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, raided… in Njaba, arrested the suspects, and recovered high-grade weapons and explosives. During interrogation, they confessed to the kidnapping and murder of Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as Asari.”

The spokesperson said two suspected kidnappers were arrested for abducting one Anayo Iwuoha in his compound last month and collecting N2 million ransom from him.

He stressed: “In a separate but related case, two suspected kidnappers, Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32), were arrested for abducting Anayo Iwuoha in his Compound at Akabo on June 20, 2025. The syndicate held the victim at Chinonso Ozirim’s residence, collecting a ₦2.2 million ransom before a joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to his rescue and the arrest of the suspects. A manhunt is ongoing for their fleeing accomplices.”

Others arrested are: “Also recently apprehended is Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36) of Orlu LGA, a notorious member of the Vikings Confraternity. Ogbonna had been on the run for two years following the brutal murder of a young man known as “Pikin,” who was mistakenly identified as a rival cultist and butchered with knives by Ogbonna and three other gang members. He was recently apprehended by operatives of Orlu Division for burglary and stealing, but upon further profiling and transfer to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, he was identified as one of the cultists involved in the heinous murder. All the suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of investigation.”

He acknowledged the public’s efforts in supporting the command by providing credible information and encouraged further assistance through the phone numbers listed below.

“The Imo State Police Command appreciates the public’s continued support and credible information, which have greatly aided recent operations. We remain committed to protecting lives and property, and urge residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity via 0813 478 3532 or 0815 802 4755. Together, we will continue to make Imo State safer and more secure for all,” he said.