Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 17 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, car snatching, and receiving stolen property in a series of raids across the state.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye announced the arrests on Friday night, revealing that two locally made firearms, five live cartridges, and a stolen white Hijet Shuttle bus (registration MMA 919 XA) were recovered.
Two additional suspects escaped during one operation.The crackdown, ordered by Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma, involved intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts and intensified night patrols around Owerri metropolis.
“These arrests mark significant progress in our fight against crime,” Okoye said. “The suspects are under investigation and will be arraigned soon.”
In a key incident on November 13 at 2:00 a.m., officers from Owerri Urban Divisional Headquarters chased down suspects operating near Emmanuel College/Wetheral Junction.
Two were captured after a hot pursuit, while two fled.Efforts are underway to arrest the escapees and the manufacturers of the seized locally made guns.
CP Danjuma reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to public safety across Imo’s 27 local government areas, urging residents to report suspicious activities via the emergency line 08034773600 or the nearest police station.
“Criminals have no hiding place in Imo,” Okoye warned. “We will continue to dominate the space and ensure peace.”
