Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested four men suspected to be kidnappers alongside their firearms inside a forest at Irete in Owerri West local government area of the state.
Police spokesperson for Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye made the disclosure in a statement on Monday.
Okoye said the operation on Sunday March 2, 2025, followed series of kidnap complaints from residents in the LGA.
LEADERSHIP reports that residents of Irete had complained of kidnapping incidents in the area as one Prophetess Ijeoma is still wanted for dissemination of kidnap notice by herdsmen on people’s gates in the area.
The PPRO said the operatives, acting on credible information, arrested the four suspects identified as Sulieman Ahmed (26), Mohammed Salisu (31), and Gambo Jefta (26) all from Jigawa State as well as Gabriel Ogbuzuru who is from Ebonyi State.
He revealed that three short guns with six rounds of live cartridges and three machetes were recovered from the suspects.
Okoye noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements responsible for the recent surge in abductions and other violent crimes in the area.
He added that that suspects were currently in custody and will face prosecution.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aboki Danjuma further led operatives on a combing operations on Monday to apprehend additional fleeing suspects.
The CP has also intensified security measures, including patrols with local vigilantes to enhance peace and security in the area.
The Command called on the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding as security operations continue across the state.
It encouraged the people to report any suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station or via Command’s emergency hotlines 0803 477 3600, 08148024755.
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