Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate following an intelligence-led operation on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Imo State, Henry Okoye made this known in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP on Sunday.
Okoye said the operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa in Oguta local government area led to the arrest of one Ozioma Dike after an exchange of gunfire.
He added that other members of the syndicate fled into the bushes during the fierce encounter.
The PPRO disclosed the items recovered from the suspect to include a pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone belonging to a victim who had been kidnapped on January 8, 2025 in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli local government area of the state.
The Imo police spokesman explained that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of a group responsible for several kidnappings in Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities within Mbaitoli LGA.
The statement highlighted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members while Dike remains in the police custody.
“He is expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigation. The police have assured the public of their commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state,” Okoye said.
In a different development, the anti-kidnapping team also arrested 40-year-old Uchenna Okpara on January 16, 2025 for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba to death.
Okoye stated that the incident occurred in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli LGA, following a minor dispute.
Okpara reportedly attacked Unakalamba with a broken bottle after the argument escalated.
“Responding to a distress call, police operatives apprehended the suspect and recovered the weapon. The victim was confirmed dead at the hospital, and the suspect remains in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution,” the statement said.
The command expressed the assurance by the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma continue to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes and maintain peace and security across the state.