Police: 435 suspects arrested, 13 kidnap victims rescued within two months in Imo

The police command in Imo says its operatives arrested 435 suspects and rescued 13 abducted persons within two months in the state.

Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in Imo, announced the development during a press briefing on Thursday.

Okoye said the operatives also recovered 552 live ammunition and 10 stolen vehicles from March to April 2024.

He said the feat was achieved with the help of community members who provided relevant information to the command.

“Over the past two months, the command has recorded significant achievements in the onslaught against crime and criminality in the state, resulting in the arrest of 435 suspects for various criminal offences ranging from murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, advance fee-fraud, cultism activities, and stealing and receiving stolen properties,” Okoye said.

“A total of 48 different firearms and 552 various calibers of live ammunition were recovered in the course of intelligence-led operations, continuous raids of suspected criminal hideouts, and painstaking investigations during which 13 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and 10 snatched vehicles were recovered.

“This remarkable breakthrough is sequel to the proactive operational strategies and security measures adopted by the command, which played a crucial role in fostering community participation in the fight against violent crimes and thereby enhanced the overall safety and security of the state.”

Okoye said Aboki Danjuma, the commissioner of police in Imo, commended the operatives for their bravery in achieving the feat while urging them not to relent in the fight against insecurity in the state.

“The CP appreciates the good people of Imo state for their continued support, prayers, and partnership in the onslaught against crimes and criminality and implores them to continue to assist the police and other security agencies with actionable information on any suspicious person seen or clandestine activities observed within their vicinity, as security is everybody’s business,” he said.

“Let us collaboratively work towards enhancing the peace and security that we cherish in the state for economic growth and development.”