From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Imo State Police Command says it has dismantled several criminal syndicates, including those linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as kidnap gangs and human traffickers operating in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a press briefing, noting that the feat was achieved under the strategic leadership of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma.
“Over the past six months, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other divisions and tactical formations, arrested 2,785 suspects for various serious crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, murder, armed robbery, cultism, and child trafficking,” Okoye stated.
He added that the operations led to the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 trafficked children, many of whom have been reunited with their families.
The police also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during investigations and raids on criminal hideouts. Items recovered include two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action guns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, and hundreds of live rounds and cartridges.
Also recovered were Biafran flags and criminal charms, which the command said were used by the syndicates to instill fear and assert control in targeted communities.
“The Imo State Police Command remains committed to restoring peace and security. We will not relent in our efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and protect law-abiding citizens,” Okoye said.
He urged residents to continue providing credible information to aid police operations and to remain vigilant in their communities.