By Prisca Nguzo
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma has inaugurated a special squad charged with the responsibility of combining all the forests in the state with the aim of identifying and raiding criminal cum kidnappers' hideouts.
The squad which he said will work in partnership with the vigilante operatives and hunters' association, would help to combat the menace of kidnapping, abduction and other related crimes being committed in the state.
CP Danjuma disclosed this shortly after leading his men, vigilante operatives and hunters to raid some forests situated in Obinze, Ihiagwa, Nekede, Umuokanne and Oforola communities, all in Owerri West council of the state on Wednesday.
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He said that the formation of the squad, Forest Surveillance Team, became necessary in order to deepen commitment of the command in fighting kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery, assassination and human trafficking prevalence in the state.
The police boss also solicited continued support and collaboration of all citizens especially the stakeholders including traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, youth bodies among others towards the sustenance of the existing peace and stability in the state.
He further reiterated the Command's unwavering commitment, in partnership with other security sister agencies in the state, to secure Imo from all forms of violent crimes as well as install lasting peace in the state.
Danjuma said, "in furtherance to our commitment to raid Imo State of all forms of crimes especially kidnapping and abduction activities, today we have raided some forests here in Owerri West LGA where we suspect that these criminal elements hide to perpetrate their crimes in the State.
"Today we decided to take the fight to them. We have raided their hideouts in these forests and you can see the number of the suspects arrested. These suspects, after investigation, if found culpable to any crime would definitely face the law.
"We are not relenting in any way in this fight and on our commitment to secure Imo from all forms of crimes. By the special grace of God, Imo will continue to be safe and peaceful for the people to live and do their businesses without any fear or security concerns."
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"Today, we also have inaugurated Forest Surveillance Team. The team will work hand in hand with vigilante operatives and hunters associations to ensure that our forests do not become a safe heaven for crimes. They have the mandate and have been adequately equipped, to raid all the forests in the state in order to safeguard them against been used for crime activities.
"As a command, we have declared a total war against kidnappers and other criminal elements. The best they can do is to immediately leave Imo State because we are not going to spare any of them. Imo is safe and we can not condone any act that will sabotage our efforts towards achieving lasting peace and overall progress of the state." he added.
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