Imo security chiefs vow to tackle extortion, rampant crime

Security chiefs in Imo State have pledged to address rising concerns over extortion and unprofessional conduct by security personnel and the recent surge in crime in parts of Owerri.

Following a meeting at the Air Force base in Owerri yesterday, police spokesperson Henry Okoye announced that the heads of all security agencies in the state had agreed to take decisive action against any personnel found guilty of extortion or misconduct.

Representatives from the Police, Army, Navy, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others, attended the meeting.

“The security chiefs agreed that serious consequences would be enforced for any personnel found guilty of such misconduct,” Okoye said. This commitment comes in response to growing complaints from motorists and commuters about being extorted at checkpoints and by security patrols on Imo roads.

Meanwhile, residents in parts of Owerri, particularly the Umuguma, Irete, and Abba Father areas, have issued an urgent plea to the police for increased security following a surge in armed robberies, sexual assaults, and other violent crimes at night. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as dire, stating that they had not slept peacefully in over two weeks.

“The criminals operate from house to house, raping and robbing people,” the resident said. “They even came with a large lorry and stole televisions, beds, refrigerators, and other valuable household items.”

The residents called for urgent action from the police and other security agencies to address the escalating crime wave and restore safety and security to their communities.