By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Inline with the recent Federal Government directives of continuous combing of forests within communities, Imo State Police Command operatives in collaboration with the State vigilantes Security Organizations have arrested 24 suspected kidnappers in thick forests within communities in Owerri West local government area of the State.
According to DSP Henry Okoye, the Command’s Spokesperson, the suspects were arrested last Monday during intensive combing operation across forested areas within Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede, and Okolochi communities, with incriminating evidences and among whom are Jonah Abotu ‘m’ 21yrs, Abel John ‘m’ 22yrs, Ibrahim Ubande ‘m’ 40yrs, Peter Samuel ‘m’ 28yrs, Kabiru Yahaya ‘m’ 20yrs, Yahaya Adamu ‘m’ 22yrs, and others.
Okoye attributed the result to proactive security measures put in placed by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, to nip in the bud the alleged kidnapping and violent incidents reported in parts of the council area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO further disclosed that the operation, which was led by the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Micheal Abattam, also involved the deployment of over two hundred and fifty (250) police personnel and vigilante operatives.
He pointed out that the operation was mainly targeted to suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the forested areas with the aim of completely eradicating criminal activities and restoring public confidence in the affected communities.
“During the operation, a total of twenty-four (24) suspects were arrested from different locations within the forests. Some of the arrested suspects include Jonah Abotu ‘m’ 21yrs, Abel John ‘m’ 22yrs, Ibrahim Ubande ‘m’ 40yrs, Peter Samuel ‘m’ 28yrs, Kabiru Yahaya ‘m’ 20yrs, Yahaya Adamu ‘m’ 22yrs, and others.
“Exhibits recovered from some of the suspects include weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa, over six (6) unregistered motorcycles, and other incriminating items” he stated.
Okoye further informed that the suspects have been transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for thorough investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
He equally informed that the Commissioner of Police has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against all forms of criminality across the State.
