The Imo State Police Command has successfully rescued a 26-year-old woman who was kidnapped and apprehended five suspects involved in the crime.
On Friday, ASP Henry Okoye, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, announced that the victim (name withheld) was abducted from her home in Obinze, Owerri West Council Area. The operation leading to her rescue was the result of intelligence-driven efforts and meticulous investigations.
According to Okoye, the police recovered a locally made shotgun, a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, and seven additional rounds of ammunition during the operation.
The Commissioner of Police had swiftly deployed the anti-kidnapping unit, using all available resources and intelligence to ensure the safe recovery of the victim.
Following the Commissioner’s instructions, the operatives targeted a forest hideout in Avu, where they located and arrested the suspects.
The operation not only freed the victim unharmed but also led to the arrest of five individuals: Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, and Jubrin Idris, 35, both from Sokoto State.
The suspects were found with a pump-action gun, five cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and various criminal charms.
Interrogation revealed they were part of a notorious syndicate responsible for terrorizing residents in Obinze, Avu, and nearby areas. The police are continuing their investigation to capture other gang members and ensure they face justice.
In a related incident, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended a known armed robber during a routine patrol in Owerri Municipal.
Nwauba Alex, a 25-year-old from Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State, was arrested while robbing two residents at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School.
During the arrest, police recovered a locally made pistol, two rounds of ammunition, and torchlights. The victims were unharmed. Alex admitted to the robbery and disclosed he bought the shotgun from someone in Ezza, Ebonyi State.
Efforts are underway to locate and arrest the gun manufacturers, who will be prosecuted accordingly. Alex will also face charges in court once the investigation concludes.
CP Aboki Danjuma praised the operatives for their professionalism and urged them to continue their efforts to minimize crime in the state.
The Imo State Police Command paraded the six suspects, highlighting the Command’s ongoing commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety.
