The Imo State Police Command has made significant strides in its ongoing battle against crime, arresting 147 suspects in a wave of coordinated raids across the state. The arrests span serious offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, and murder.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, described the operations as a “major breakthrough” in restoring public confidence and safety.
One of the most high-profile arrests was that of 37-year-old native doctor, Ozioma Ihedoro, alleged to be the spiritual adviser to a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), known as “B44.” According to CP Danjuma, Ihedoro was apprehended on May 20 in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area. A search of his shrine revealed an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and seven live rounds of ammunition.
“He has been on the Command’s wanted list,” Danjuma confirmed. “He is currently cooperating with investigators and providing critical intelligence to dismantle other cells at large.”
During the string of operations, seven kidnapped victims were rescued, and five armed suspects were killed in gun battles with security forces. Weapons seized from the suspects include seven AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven pump-action guns, seven locally made long guns, 178 live cartridges, and several motorcycles. The police also recovered Biafra currency, flags, and criminal charms linked to insurgent groups.
In a related sweep on May 19, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Njaba Police Division arrested three robbery suspects—Chinonso Anayo (alias Pablo, 24), Emmanuel John (21), and Ifeanyi John (20)—all from Isiagu, Ebonyi State.
CP Danjuma reaffirmed the command’s resolve to flush out criminal elements from Imo State, emphasizing:
“Our operations are strategic and continuous. We are strengthening security measures to rid the state of all forms of criminality, particularly kidnapping and violent crimes.”
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
