The Imo State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes across the state.

Over the last six months, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical formations arrested a total of 2,785 suspects for crimes ranging from kidnapping, terrorism, and murder to armed robbery, cultism, and child trafficking. The operations also led to the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, many of whom have been reunited with their families.

Police investigations resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including 2 GPMGs, 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action guns, 4 fabricated rocket launchers, 7 gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, as well as live ammunition, cartridges, Biafran flags, and criminal charms.

Among the key suspects arrested are Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30)—identified members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. These individuals were allegedly involved in multiple attacks on security formations and public infrastructure in Njaba Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives raided an ESN camp in the area, arrested the suspects, and seized weapons and explosives. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the kidnapping and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, reportedly on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as Asari.

In a separate incident, Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32) were arrested for abducting Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo on June 20, 2025. The victim was held captive at Ozirim’s residence and released after a ransom of N2.2 million was paid. A joint operation involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to the victim’s rescue and the arrest of the suspects. A manhunt is ongoing for their fleeing accomplices.

Also arrested is Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36) of Orlu LGA, a known member of the Vikings Confraternity. Ogbonna had been on the run for two years after allegedly murdering a young man known as Pikin, who was mistaken for a rival cultist. He was recently arrested for burglary and, upon further investigation, was linked to the earlier murder case. He is now in custody and will be prosecuted along with others upon conclusion of investigations.

The Imo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring public safety.