Police arrest 24 suspects after raiding hideouts in Imo forests

The Imo State Police Command has arrested 24 suspects in various bush locations within Owerri West Local Government Area as part of intensified operations targeting criminal activity.

The arrests were carried out under the proactive security strategy of State Commissioner of Police CP Audu Garba Bosso, aimed at curbing reported kidnapping and violent incidents in parts of Owerri West LGA.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the operation was executed by officers of the Owerri Urban Division, led by Area Commander Michael Abatam, in cooperation with vigilantes from the State Security Organization. They conducted a thorough sweep of forested areas in the Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede, and Okomochi communities.

Okoye noted that more than 250 police officers and vigilante operatives were deployed to locate suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the forests, with the goal of eliminating criminal activity and restoring public confidence in the affected communities.

The spokesperson reported that 24 suspects were apprehended from different forest locations during the operation.

Among those arrested were 21‑year‑old Jonah Abotu, 22‑year‑old Abel John, 40‑year‑old Ibrahim Ubande, 28‑year‑old Peter Samuel, 20‑year‑old Kabiru Yahaya, 22‑year‑old Yahaya Adamu, and others.

Okoye added that evidence seized from some suspects included plants suspected to be cannabis sativa, more than six unregistered motorcycles, and other incriminating items.

The suspects have been transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for detailed investigation and potential prosecution in accordance with the law.

Responding to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police described the operation as a success and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining aggressive actions against all forms of criminality across the state.

He urged residents to stay security‑conscious and to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 or 09116606669.

The commissioner further assured the public that such operations would continue throughout the state until all criminal elements are completely removed from their hideouts.