Operatives of the Imo State police command have killed two suspected kidnappers along Obudi–Mgbala Road in Agwa, and arrested 12 others in Umuezeruokam forest in Nekede.

In a statement on Wednesday, spokesperson for the command, Henry Okoye, said the separate operations were carried out on Tuesday, and dangerous weapons were recovered from both locations.

Mr Okoye said, “On 02/12/2025 at about 2022hrs, operatives of Agwa Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Agwa, while on patrol along Obudi–Mgbala Road, engaged a gang of kidnappers using a white Keke bus, Reg. No. EHM 542 XL.

“Two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with injuries. Recovered items include two pump-action rifles, seven live cartridges, two Android phones, and the body of an unidentified female victim.”

According to the police spokesperson in the state, the recovered items and bodies have been deposited at the mortuary as investigation continues.

Mr Okoye also stated that, “In another development, on the same date at about 1800hrs, operatives of Nekede Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Nekede Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided Umuezeruokam Forest linking Avu Forest.

“The operation led to the arrest of twelve (12) suspects and the recovery of twelve (12) phones, two daggers, one cutlass, assorted hard drugs, one saw blade, and one bunch of arrows.”

Stating that the case has been transferred to the anti-kidnapping unit for further investigation, Mr Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, assured residents of sustained efforts to eliminate criminal elements and maintain public safety in the state.