In a press statement, Imo State Police Command spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said that the operation is part of the command’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and security throughout the state.
The latest operation was led by members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit who, acting on credible intelligence, launched a coordinated attack targeting notorious criminal elements in some local government areas of the state.
The command also disclosed that it had discovered some criminal hideouts during an operation that resulted in the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, among other dangerous weapons.
Okoye hinted that during an operation at Eke Eziama in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA on May 31, 2025, a 34-year-old man, John Bosco Onuocha, native of Ihiteaforukwu, Ahiazu Mbaise, and his cohorts opened fire on the operatives, which led to an exchange of gunfire.
He added that in the course of the gunfight, Onuocha sustained a leg injury before he was apprehended, while others escaped to the adjoining bushes.
DSP Okoye further revealed that investigations linked Onuocha to multiple violent attacks that have claimed the lives of security personnel and traditional leaders in the Mbaise axis.
Items recovered at the scene included one General Purpose Machine Gun, two chain magazines loaded with two hundred rounds of live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle without a breach number, 56 rounds of live ammunition, and four magazines.
The suspect, according to the police spokesperson, confessed to playing a prominent role in numerous terrorist attacks across the state.
The suspect further revealed that the automatic rifles were supplied to them by a notorious commander of a criminal gang known as B44 with the intent of reactivating their criminal operation.
Okoye further stated that the suspect has been taken to a medical facility in Owerri for treatment.
In a separate operation in Njaba, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit also apprehended three suspected members of another criminal group. The suspects were identified as Ozioma Ihedoro, aka Mazi Oz, Uchenna Opara, aka Nta-Nta Mmiri, and Amaefule Emeka, aka Odopu.
According to the press statement, during interrogation, Emeka confessed to being involved in the 2021 attack on the Federal Correctional Centre.
Items recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, and various criminal charms.
The statement also revealed that “five accomplices, Ugwuegbu Cynthia, Ikewgbado Kennedy, Amaefule Chukwuamare Emmanuel, Eke Anayo, and Eke Chukwudi, were apprehended in Njaba LGA following the confessions of the previously arrested suspects.”
READ ALSO: Close Call: Man Escapes Death as Communication Mast Crashes Onto Ogun Building
Okoye pointed out that the operation underscores the command’s commitment to enhancing peace and security and dismantling criminal networks in the state.
“The Command urges Imolites to continue supporting ongoing efforts to secure our communities by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency line, 0803 477 3600,” he added.
