The Imo State police command says it dismantled a notorious robbery syndicate in a successful operation that led to the detention of five suspects and recovery of 450 allegedly stolen motorcycles.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this at a news briefing in Owerri, on Sunday.

Mr Okoye said, “The breakthrough followed a successful operation” that targeted armed robbery, attempted murder, and vehicle snatching across the state.

He paraded the suspects before journalists on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso.

He said that the operatives also recovered N6.4 million cash and different number plates.

Mr Okoye said that the operation was conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa.

“The investigation began on April 6, after a commercial shuttle bus driver, Mr Paul Ohaka, who left home for work on April 5, was declared missing. Subsequently, the driver was found abandoned unconscious at Irete on the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been forcefully taken by unknown assailants. The assailants had attacked him on April 5, assumed he was dead and fled with his vehicle,” Mr Okoye said.

He said the victim was immediately evacuated to a hospital, where he was said to be currently receiving medical attention.

He stated that detectives tracked the stolen bus to a workshop in Orlu.

“During a coordinated operation, the vehicle was recovered just as the suspects were allegedly preparing to repaint it to hide its original identity,” Mr Okoye said.

He said that two suspects, identified as Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were apprehended at the workshop.

He noted that their detention provided “the lead needed to capture three additional members of the criminal gang.”

According to the PPRO, the suspects reportedly tried to bribe the police with N5 million to escape justice.

“However, the operatives rejected the cash, upholding the command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” he said.

He noted that charms and other incriminating exhibits were also seized from the gang’s various hideouts.

Mr Okoye stated that the suspects were unable to provide valid proof of ownership of the recovered motorcycles.

He said that the syndicate attempted to hide the bikes in bushes, where they were recovered.

He stated  “The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale prosecution of all individuals involved. The command remains committed to ensuring that criminal elements found no haven within the state.”

(NAN)