Imo Police arrest 150 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers in one year

• Apprehend Suspected Retired Police CSP’s Killers
• Govt To Employ 30,000 Youths In Adapalm

Operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of Imo State Police Command arrested 150 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and terrorists in the last one year.

The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Hussaini, disclosed this, at the weekend, when the state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, visited the Command’s office in Owerri.

He revealed that 27 vehicles, assorted arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects within the period under review.

Hussaini said: “It will interest His Excellency to know that between January 2021 and January 2022, the unit has arrested a total of 150 kidnappers/armed robbers, 45 terrorists, and recovered 27 vehicles of different makes and assorted arms and ammunition.”

He said the command was working with the monarchs, hunters, religious and youth leaders to achieve the feat, saying: “Presently, we are collaborating with the traditional rulers, stakeholders, youths, religious leaders and hunters in community policing. This has assisted in combating violent crimes.

“In spite of the unit’s constraints due to lack of modern equipment in fight against crime, it has recorded laudable achievements.”

Uzodimma lauded the achievements made by the police and other security agencies in tackling insecurity in the state.

Meanwhile, the command also arrested suspected killer of a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Christian Kpatuma.

Kpatuma was abducted from his house in February 1, and killed by the suspected cult members, who later brought the body to his compound.

In a related development, Uzodimma said the Adapalm Nigeria Ltd., located in Ohaji, Ohaji / Egbema Local Council of the state, would provide 30,000 jobs for the teeming youths in the state.

He disclosed this during the inauguration of the Mustapha Chike Obi -led Board at the Government House, Owerri.

He promised not to interfere in the firm’s operations, which has N360b investment portfolio by the Roche Group.

Uzodimma assured the Managing Director of Roche West Africa Ltd., Mr. Paul Roche, of government’s support and encouragement.

“ This ceremony is significant in three ways: First, it underscores the state’s determination to ensure economic turnaround through agriculture and industrialisation. Second, it is a yardstick for confirmation of the workability of the Private Public Partnership (PPP) for the good all and finally, it gives impetus to the drive to empower indigenes by making them co-owners of the company cited in their locality,” he said.

The suspect, Deberechi Chukwu, according to a statement issued, at the weekend, by police spokesperson, Michael Abattam, was arrested while trying to flee through the neighboring border.

The statement read: “Sequel to a report of a case of murder received by the Agwa Divisional Police Headquarters that, on 01/02/2022 at about 2152 hours, a group of young men suspected to be cultists resident in Mgbala Community Agwa in Oguta Local Council of Imo State, conspired among themselves went to the house of one Christian Kpatuma, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP ) and a native of Mgbala, abducted and took him to a nearby bush, where they killed him, and later dumped the body in front of his compound.”