Police in Imo arrest 25 persons for armed robbery, others

.Recover 20 assault rifles, five-AK 47 guns

The Imo State Police Command, at the weekend paraded 25 suspects for involvement in crimes ranging from armed robbery, murder, stealing / receiving stolen properties, cultism to unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Owerri, Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma, said some of the arrested persons were suspected to belong to a proscribed group operating in the Southeast.

The CP said he had convened an inter-agency meeting to roll out a collaborative operational strategy that cascaded in forming a Special Tactical Squad to apprehend the hoodlums attacking innocent citizens.

He said: “The unwavering dedication and persistent efforts of the courageous operatives yielded results as I have before you today a total of 25 male Suspects arrested for various criminal cases ranging from IPOB/ESN Terrorism Activities, Armed Robbery, Murder, Stealing/Receiving Stolen Properties, Cultism, and Unlawful Possession of firearms and Ammunition.

“These are suspects that are evidentially linked to the respective case against them while other miscreants were neutralized in a fierce gun battle that ensued between them and the police.”

In the course of investigating the aforesaid cases, a total number of 20 Assault Rifles including, five AK 47 rifles, six Pump Action guns, 9 locally made pistol and one Barrera pistol and a total of 359 rounds of various calibers of ammunition, were recovered from them.

Also recovered from these suspects include; six vehicles were recovered, (3) Motorcycles, Charms, IPOB/ESN vest/insignia, Military camouflage, police vests, and other incriminating items.”

He also commended the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma for giving the command necessary support.