The Imo State police command said it recorded a milestone in the fight against terrorism and violent crimes with the detention of 957 armed robbery and suspected kidnappers and terrorists in two months.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, told journalists in Owerri on Friday that nine kidnap victims and seven stolen children were also rescued and reunited with their family members.

Mr Danjuma stated, “One of the major breakthroughs was the arrest of notorious IPOB/ESN terrorists and recovery of arms, ammunition and incriminating items. Investigations further led to the arrest of some of their sponsors and financiers drastically reducing their nefarious activities and cutting off funding channels. In synergy with other security agencies, the command also dislodged IPOB/ESN camps and kidnapping dens in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, Owerri West and Njaba Local Government Areas, and other areas in the state, striking a decisive blow to their capacity for further attacks.

“On September 16, my men from the anti-kidnapping unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the Special Intervention Squad, led by CSP Gboyako Adamu, stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA. The hoodlums engaged us in a fierce gunbattle but were overpowered by our superior firepower. Sixteen suspects, including their sub-commander, Uzoechi Okechukwu, were arrested.”

Mr Danjuma further said that Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, 25, and Chinonso Ozuruigbo, 32, were currently under detention for alleged kidnap of Anayo Iwuoha, 48, on June 18, 2025, at Akabo, Ikeduru LGA.

He said, “The suspects collected ransom of N3 million and were still demanding N10 million as condition for the victim’s release.’’

The CP added that following incessant kidnappings, robbery attacks and other heinous crimes, the command on September 9, arrested and detained a suspected member of IPOB/ESN, Chukwuebika Eruruogu, 27.

He said that Eruruogu was terrorising Mbaitoli, Njaba and Orlu LGAs before his detention.

Mr Danjuma also said that four suspected members of a cult group were detained over the death of one Chidubem Orji killed during an attempt to initiate him into the group.

He said that items recovered from the suspects included some defunct Biafra currencies, N1,000 counterfeit notes used within their hideouts.

According to him, the command also recovered marijuana, laptops, cellphones, AK-47 rifles, pump action guns, ammunition, double-barrelled guns, locally fabricated pistols, charms, cartons of cartridges and a register used for training and roll calls.

“We have started blocking the channels where they get their weapons from,” he said.

He however said that his men sustained minor injuries throughout the two-month operation.

Mr Danjuma lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for his consistent support in welfare and logistics which, he said, greatly boosted their operational capacity.

He also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for guiding the command to success.

He assured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to rid the state of crime and ensure a safe environment for all.

(NAN)