By Douglas Princemola
The Imo State Police Command has recorded major successes in its efforts to tackle crime, with the arrest of 75 suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons over the past month.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, said the Command has intensified proactive and intelligence-led policing strategies in collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders. He noted that these combined efforts have led to a decline in criminal activities across the state, improving safety for residents and visitors.
The Commissioner stated that the suspects arrested were linked to serious offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder, stealing, and terrorism associated with IPOB/ESN groups. He added that several weapons and stolen items were recovered during operations, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of live ammunition, two locally made pistols, one Beretta pistol, and six stolen motorcycles.
He further explained that on March 3, 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call from the Adapalm facility in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, where armed men suspected to be IPOB/ESN members had set heavy machinery on fire.
Security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle, during which one suspect was shot and later died in the hospital. His body was deposited in the mortuary for autopsy and investigation.
Following the incident, security presence in the area was strengthened. On March 14, 2026, operatives on surveillance encountered the suspects again, leading to another exchange of gunfire. The suspects fled with gunshot injuries, abandoning three AK-47 rifles and magazines loaded with 65 rounds of ammunition.
In another operation, the Police, working with the military and other security agencies, carried out a counter-terrorism mission in Orsu Local Government Area between February and March. The operation led to the dismantling of an IPOB/ESN camp known as “Mother Valley.”
During the raid, two suspects were killed, while others escaped with injuries.
Security operatives recovered over 300 improvised explosive devices, including those hidden in gas cylinders and pipes, as well as five exotic vehicles.
The Commissioner called on residents to continue providing useful information to the Police, assuring them that such information would be handled confidentially.
He also assured the public of adequate security arrangements ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, including the deployment of personnel to key locations and measures to ensure smooth traffic movement across the state.
He advised residents and travelers to obey traffic rules and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safe and peaceful festive period.
