Police arrest kidnappers, cult members, recover AK-47s, pump-action guns in Imo

Police arrest kidnappers, cult members, recover AK-47s, pump-action guns in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has successfully dismantled kidnapping, robbery, and cult syndicates across the state, rescuing victims and recovering weapons during intensified operations, the Command said on Friday.

According to DSP Henry Okoye, the state police spokesperson, the operations were carried out under the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, to stamp out violent crimes and criminal networks across Imo State.

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, arrested multiple suspects, rescued kidnapped victims unharmed, and recovered firearms including three pump-action guns, two AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, along with 31 rounds of ammunition and 37 live cartridges.

In one operation, officers arrested Odinaka Ekwebelem, Ejike Sunday, and Chinedu Duru, linked to the abduction of a young man at Faith Glorious Assembly Church, Awo-Omamma on November 16, 2025. Acting on intelligence, the gang was traced to a forest, the victim rescued, and two assault rifles recovered.

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In a separate case, 26-year-old Frank Onyemaechi of Ama-Asaa, Ikeduru LGA, was arrested after a phone search revealed disturbing images of kidnapped and deceased persons. A follow-up search led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and the arrest of his wife, 24-year-old Chidimma Onyemaechi, who attempted to hide the weapon.

In another raid at a criminal hideout in Nchoko, Oru-East, NBM cult group members 22-year-old Nkwusi Tochukwu Casmir, 29-year-old Uchenna Ike, and 27-year-old Ikwunna David were arrested. The suspects confessed to terrorising the area, while efforts continue to apprehend fleeing accomplices.

Responding to reports of armed robbery and vehicle snatching, operatives confronted another gang. During the suspects’ escape attempt, one driver tragically lost his life. The police arrested 25-year-old Okon Uket of Akwa Ibom and 25-year-old Uzoma Ezugo of Asaa in Ohaji LGA, while efforts continue to capture remaining members.

DSP Okoye said all arrested suspects would be thoroughly investigated and arraigned in court on appropriate criminal charges.

The Commissioner of Police reassured Imo residents of the Command’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and peaceful Yuletide season, urging citizens to remain calm, vigilant, law-abiding, and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.

Police arrest kidnappers, cult members, recover AK-47s, pump-action guns in Imo