IGP enlists eminent persons to fight crime

Police arrest soldier, 30 others for robbery, kidnapping in Imo

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Idris Ibrahim, has inaugurated the Imo State branch of the eminent persons’ forum, consisting of monarchs, religious groups and others.

The IG, represented by Imo State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, urged the monarchs and others to join hands with the police to fight crime in all facets.

He stated: “December 22, 2015 in this parliament, I addressed over 400 traditional rulers on security situation in Imo State. I unveiled the police command telephone directory containing my telephone numbers, senior police officers in different capacities and the police control room numbers to the traditional rulers for distribution to members of their various communities, and subsequently, launched ‘Operation Nkpochapu’ (wipe out criminals).

“The initiative, which is a rare display of synergy, has yielded tremendous success and have resulted in massive arrests, prosecution, annihilation of some high profile kidnap, armed robbery, cultists and child trafficking suspects and massive turnaround of criminal activities in the state.

“Reliable source revealed that the Owerri Prison, which has carrying capacity of 550 inmates, now has over 2,500 inmates. This goes to show that a lot of success has been achieved by security agencies with the support, co-operation and collaboration of the peace-loving people of the state. Though it is not yet uhuru, as we still have few bad elements disturbing the peace of the state. It may be pertinent to say that crime thrives not because of the violence of the bad people, but because of the silence of the good people.

Responding, chairman of the monarchs’ council in the state, Eze Sam Ohiri, commended the IGP for the initiative, promising to co-operate on the advice.

The terms of reference of the forum include:
• To partner with the police in crime prevention and detection.
• To act as a bridge between the police and members of the community and ensure our achievements, especially in the command, are highlighted within your locality.
• To use your positions to educate your communities of friendly neighbourhood relationship irrespective of tribe, creed or religion.
• To harness logistic support to facilitate the operations of the police.

Meanwhile, Lakanu has said a 23-year-old soldier of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, has been arrested for suspected armed robbery.

The Imo CP, who briefed journalists yesterday at the command’s headquarters in Owerri while parading the suspect and about 30 others, said the soldier and his four-man gang of armed robbers were caught robbing passengers along Ohoba-Asah Road in Ohaji/Egbema local council of the state.

He said items recovered from the gang included army uniform, arms and ammunition, adding that the suspects would be charged to court soon.

He also said a four-year-old was recovered from a child trafficker, adding that all those arrested for various crimes would be prosecuted.