The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 147 suspects involved in a variety of serious crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, and terrorism. The announcement was made by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in a statement issued on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
According to Okoye, these arrests followed months of coordinated intelligence and operations led by the command across various parts of Imo State. He noted that the suspects were caught with a range of dangerous weapons and items linked to outlawed groups. Among the recovered items were seven AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven pump-action guns, seven homemade long guns, 178 live cartridges, three motorcycles, and several Biafra-related materials such as flags and currency.
The police operation also resulted in the rescue of seven kidnapped victims and the death of five armed suspects during gun battles with security forces.
A major breakthrough came on May 20 when officers from the anti-kidnapping unit, operating in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, arrested a 37-year-old native doctor named Ozioma Ihedoro. Okoye said Ihedoro had been on the police wanted list and confessed to serving as the spiritual adviser to a known IPOB/ESN commander called “B44.” During a search of his shrine, police found an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and seven rounds of live ammunition. Ihedoro is now assisting investigators with vital information to uncover other criminals still on the run.
In a separate operation on May 19, police working in partnership with the Njaba Division apprehended three robbery suspects: Chinonso Anayo (alias Pablo), Emmanuel John, and Ifeanyi John. All three are from Isiagu in Ebonyi State. They were caught during a surveillance operation and later admitted to several robbery cases. Among the items seized from them were a Q-Link motorcycle, two pump-action guns, and 15 live cartridges.
Okoye noted that the Imo Police Command has been carrying out intensive security efforts under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma. These efforts aim to rid the state of violent crime and ensure the safety of its residents.
He also stated that residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities and work with the police to maintain peace. A dedicated emergency line, 0803 477 3600, remains open for prompt responses.
