Imo Police Recover 20 Pump-Action Guns, 14 AK-47 Rifles, and Arrest Over 2,700 Suspects

The Imo State Police Command has made significant strides in its fight against crime, revealing that it has dismantled multiple criminal enclaves across the state. This extensive operation led to the arrest of 2,785 individuals connected to various serious criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and child trafficking.

In a recent statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, it was detailed that law enforcement agents recovered an impressive cache of weaponry. This included 20 pump-action rifles, 14 AK-47 assault rifles, two general-purpose machine guns, and four locally fabricated rocket launchers, among other dangerous arms and explosives.

DSP Okoye highlighted that these achievements are the result of over six months of relentless efforts by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which worked collaboratively with other police units and specialized formations within the state.

Further details disclosed that during the operation, police successfully rescued 58 individuals who had been kidnapped. Additionally, 42 stolen children were safely recovered and have since been reunited with their families.

The investigations carried out during these operations also unearthed a significant stockpile of weaponry and explosives. Items recovered include:

• Two general-purpose machine guns
• Four fabricated rocket launchers
• Seven gas-cylinder explosives
• Locally manufactured hand grenades
• Numerous rounds of live ammunition and cartridges
• Assorted criminal charms

Among those apprehended were notable figures such as Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30). These individuals are alleged to be core members of a notorious gang responsible for repeated attacks on security installations and public infrastructure in Njaba Local Government Area.

DSP Okoye affirmed that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, utilizing credible intelligence and operating alongside other tactical squads, made these arrests. During interrogations, the suspects admitted to kidnapping and murdering Emmanuel Oguzie. This act was reportedly ordered by their gang leader, identified as Asari, who remains on the police’s wanted list.

In another closely related incident, two suspects—Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32)—were arrested for abducting Mr. Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo, located in Ikeduru Local Government Area, on June 20, 2025.

According to the police spokesperson, the victim was detained at Chinonso Ozirim’s home while the syndicate extorted a ransom of N2.2 million from his family. Fortunately, a collaborative effort between the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilante groups led to the victim’s rescue and the subsequent arrest of the kidnappers. However, the pursuit of additional suspects who fled the scene is still ongoing.

Another notable arrest involved Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna, 36, from Orlu LGA, an infamous member of the Vikings Confraternity. Ogbonna had been evading arrest for two years following the gruesome murder of a young man named “Pikin,” who was wrongly targeted as a rival cult member and brutally killed with knives by Ogbonna and his cohorts.

Ogbonna was recently captured by operatives from the Orlu Division for burglary and theft. Upon further profiling and his handover to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, he was identified as one of the individuals linked to the savage cult killing. DSP Okoye concluded by stating that all arrested suspects will face formal charges in court once investigations are finalized.