Police arrest 24 suspects after raiding criminal hideouts in Imo forests

The Imo State Police Command, in intensified operations, has arrested 24 suspects in different locations within bushes in Owerri West LGA for various criminal offences.

The operation that led to the arrest of the suspects is in line with proactive security measures put in place by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, to nip in the bud the alleged kidnapping and violent incidents reported in parts of Owerri West LGA of the state.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the latest operation was carried out by operatives of the Owerri Urban Division, led by the Area Commander, Michael Abatam, in collaboration with vigilantes of the State Security Organization, as they embarked on an intensive combing operation across forested areas within Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede, and Okomochi communities.

Okoye informed that the operation involved the deployment of over 250 police personnel and vigilante operatives in search of suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the forested areas, with the aim of completely eradicating criminal activities and restoring public confidence in the affected communities.

The command’s spokesperson hinted that during the operation, a total of 24 suspects were arrested from different locations within the forests.

Some of the arrested suspects include 21-year-old Jonah Abotu, 22-year-old Abel John, 40-year-old Ibrahim Ubande, 28-year-old Peter Samuel, 20-year-old Kabiru Yahaya, 22-year-old Yahaya Adamu, and others.

He added that exhibits recovered from some of the suspects include weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa, over six unregistered motorcycles, and other incriminating items.

The suspects have been transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for thorough investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

Reacting to the arrest of the suspects, the Commissioner of Police described the operation as successful as he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against all forms of criminality across the state.

He urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 or 09116606669.

The commissioner further assured the public that such operations would be sustained across the state until all criminal elements are completely flushed out of their hideouts.