By Prisca Nguzo
In its continued commitment to rid Imo State of all forms of crimes and criminality, the operatives of the police command in the state has arrested two suspected armed robbers, namely Ntosi Godfrey ‘m’ and Nnamdi Raymond ‘m’.
Also arrested by the command is one Chibueze Kalu, ‘m’, who confessed to be a member of the dreaded black axe confraternity, a cultist group terrorising residents of Obinze in Owerri West LGA and other areas in the State.
Parading the suspects at the Command's headquarters in Owerri on Friday, the Command's spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye disclosed that the armed robbers suspects were arrested by the Operatives of the Command Tactical Unit while on intelligence-led stop-and-search along Owerri-Aba road in the early hours of Friday.
While the cultist was nabbed by the Operatives of Nekede Divisional Headquarters in synergy with the local vigilantes last week Thursday.
Okoye further disclosed that one pump action gun, one locally fabricated gun, 10 rounds of live cartridges, a Toyota Golf as well as one locally made pistol were recovered from the suspects.
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The release signed by the Command's spokesman over the arrest reads, "In the early hours of 26/07/2024, Operatives of the Command Tactical Unit while on intelligence-led stop-and-search along Owerri-Aba road arrested two suspected armed robbers namely Ntosi Godfrey ‘m’ 37yrs and Nnamdi Raymond ‘m’, while en route to Owerri with a Green Toyota Golf, Reg No AA775BD Lagos, they allegedly snatched from a victim in Umuahia.
"The suspects opened fire on sighting police operatives but were given stiff resistance by the ever-gallant operatives who maneuvered to vintage and returned fire.
"In the ensuing gun duel, one of the suspects sustained bullet injuries and was later taken to a nearby medical hospital for treatment while the other suspect was arrested.
"Recovered from the suspects include one pump action gun, one locally fabricated gun, 10 rounds of live cartridges, and the Toyota Golf.
"On interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a deadly armed robbery syndicate in Umuahia and mentioned one suspect at large."
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It continued, "In a different development, Operatives of Nekede Divisional Headquarters in synergy with the local vigilantes on 18/7/2024, at about 0650hrs, embarked on a sting operation on a suspected cultist hideout, following a tip-off that rival cult groups are planning to destabilize the peace and security of Umuanunu Obinze in Owerri West LGA, Imo State and other areas in the State.
"In the course of the operation, one suspected cultist, Chibueze Kalu, ‘m’ 25yrs was arrested. Recovered from him include one locally made pistol. The suspects confessed to being members of the black axe confraternity.
"A comprehensive Investigation is ongoing. Efforts are in progress to unravel the manufacturers and distributors of the locally-made guns and make them face the full wrath of the law. The suspects will certainly have their day in court."
"Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has affirmed that the arrest of the suspects in furtherance of the Command’s unwavering determination to completely eradicate crime in the State, noting that the Command will continue to clamp down on notorious criminal syndicate hibernating within the State and its borders.
"The CP urged ‘Ndi Imo’ to be security conscious and continue to support the Police and other security agencies by reporting any suspicious person seen or clandestine activity observed within their vicinity to the nearest Police Station.
"Let us collaboratively work towards achieving a safer and more secure Imo State for economic growth and prosperity." it added.
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