By Chisimdi Esther
Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma has said the Command has arrested twenty-one suspected kidnappers terrorising several communities in Owerri West and Ngor Okpala Council Areas of the state.
The arrest, the CP said followed intensified surveillance and combing of forested area within Ihiagwa, Nekede, Avu, Irete, Okuku, Umuokanne, Naza, and Obinze communities, suspected to be hideouts for notorious criminal elements cum kidnapping syndicates.
The Imo Police boss further disclosed that the arrested suspects, undergoing intensive investigation, are aiding the police with useful information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects and to combat kidnapping menace in the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the command to guarantee adequate security in the state and appealed to the citizens to always assist with useful information that would help in riding the state of all forms of crimes and criminality.
"Between last week and today, in this operation, we have arrested 21 suspects and they are giving us useful information. By His grace, our forests are free from any other criminal hiding behind. And I am telling Imo residents that Imo is safe and that they should go about their lawful businesses without any fear.
"I want to encourage members of the public to give us information because without information, we cannot succeed. They should send in their information directly to me, to the Brigadier Commander or the Airforce Commander and I can assure them that they will be treated with confidentiality."
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Speaking also, the Special Adviser to the Governor Hope Uzodimma on Security Affairs, Rtd. General Joseph Ogbonna, pesent during the operation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to safeguard lives and property.
He commended the efforts of security agencies in the state in crime fighting and assured residents that the government remains steadfast in its resolve to enhance peace and security across the state.
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Also in a statement availed to newsmen, the Command's spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye disclosed that the operation, carried out in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, also led to the recovery of two automatic pump-action guns, 17 live cartridges, nine walkie-talkies, three cutlasses, seven mobile phones, laptops, a power bike, and other incriminating items.
According to him, "this special operation underscores the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates and ensuring public safety."
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