Babatunji Wusu –
The Nigeria Police Force’s Imo state command declared on Thursday that they had recently conducted operations that resulted in the successful arrest of a number of criminal suspects and the recovery of live ammunition.
At a news conference held yesterday at the command headquarters, state Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye provided details about the operations. He disclosed that 435 individuals were detained and 552 live rounds were confiscated.
Okoye, who was parading the suspects who were allegedly involved in a number of crimes, stated that the command’s proactive security and operational initiatives over the previous two months had enabled these successes.
He reported that 435 suspects in crimes including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, advance fee fraud, cult activities, stealing, and receiving stolen property had been apprehended by the command, which had made great strides in fighting crime and criminality in the State.
48 distinct firearms and 552 different calibers of live ammunition were also taken into custody as a result of intelligence-led operations, ongoing raids on suspected criminal hideouts, and thorough investigations.
Ten stolen cars were found and 13 kidnapped individuals were safely rescued without incident as a result of these efforts.
This admirable accomplishment is directly attributable to the proactive operational plans and security protocols of the Command, which have promoted community engagement in the battle against violent crimes and eventually enhanced the safety and security of the entire state.
“I will give you insights on some of the operational feats achieved by the Command’s Tactical Units and Divisions starting with the bursting of a deadly kidnap syndicate responsible for the abduction and the brutal murder of retired Major General Richard Duru,” Okoye noted.
He further revealed some of the breakthroughs made by the command to include but not limited to “Bursting of a deadly kidnap syndicate responsible for the Abduction and Murder of retired Major General Richard Duru. Recall that on 27/09/2023 at about 2030hrs, late Major General Richard Duru Rtd was kidnapped along Bishops Court, Area 7 Orji/Uratta Owerri, and his black Mercedes Benz G.L. 450 car with registration number LND 826 NG snatched by the deadly syndicated. They killed the victim after collecting a ransom of 50,000 US dollars from his family. This unfortunate incident caused apprehension amongst the residents of the State.
“The ever-gallant operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, (i.e, the NPF Crime Buster of the Year 2023/2024) immediately commenced an intense manhunt for the criminal syndicates who are notorious on the Command’s wanted list and were able to terminate the reign of the terror group through sustain follow-up to diligently gathered intelligence which to the apprehension of the gang leader and other members of the Terror group.”
“Chukwunonso Emmanuel ‘M, a native of Uke in Idemili North L.G.A Anambra State, was arrested in Lagos while attempting to obtain a new plate number for the victim’s Mercedes Benz car. His confessions led to the Arrest of two members of the gang, Okoroigwe Goodness, 24 years ‘M’ and Innocent Ogu, 54 Yrs, old ‘m’. The suspects confessed to the crime of Kidnapping cum murder of the Retired Major General Richard Duru and equally confessed membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) /Eastern Security Network (ESN). They will certainly have their day in court upon completion of the ongoing investigation, among others.”
