By Chukwudi Osuji
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, in synergy with the Military and local vigilante groups has dislodged a kidnapping hideout located at Ndegwu Forest in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.
The security personnel also rescued four victims of the kidnapping syndicate. Unfortunately, one of the victims who sustained gun shot injury from the kidnappers died after he was rushed to hospital for treatment.
This was disclosed to newsmen by the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso in a press conference held at the command's headquarters in Owerri.
According to the Imo CP, "the kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, engaged them in a gun duel but were overpowered by the operatives, who responded professionally and with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee into the adjoining bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries."
"During the operation, three (3) kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt. They include Mr. Ogboma Emmanuel E., aged 47 years, of Umuezu Umuagubiam, Oforola in Owerri West LGA, Mr Ugochukwu Osigwe Edmond 60yrs, of Umuoba Irete, Owerri West LGA, and Mr Ebere Okpara Vitus, 60yrs. Unfortunately, a yet-to-be-identified male victim sustained gunshot injuries, was evacuated to the hospital where he was later confirmed dead." he added.
CP Bosso further disclosed that the operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance operations, arrested one suspected armed robber identified as Samuel Ashagwara ‘m’, aged 50, at his house in Umukwune, Irete, for unlawful possession of firearm.
He availed that, "a thorough search conducted at his house led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, twenty-seven (27) rounds of live ammunition, two magazines, one Police bulletproof vest, one fabricated wooden gun, an axe, and criminal charms.
"During interrogation, the suspect admitted possession of the firearm, claiming he is a vigilante and that he recovered it from bandits operating within the Irete axis in 2024 but failed to hand it over to security operatives as required by law. The suspect is currently in custody pending further investigation."
