The Imo State Police Command has apprehended two suspected leaders of a kidnapping syndicate and seven other alleged gang members during operations targeting criminal hideouts in the state.
The suspects, identified as 28-year-old Confidence Vitalis from Ukugba in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State and 32-year-old Ishiaya Rejoice from Emuoha in Rivers State, were arrested following intelligence-led investigations.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said the arrests led operatives to a suspected kidnappers’ and terrorist camp located in the Egbema River creek. The raid resulted in the rescue of three abducted persons, who were freed unharmed and reportedly identified some of the suspects as members of the gang responsible for their kidnapping.
Items recovered from the hideout included an AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three locally fabricated firearms, 16 live cartridges, a Beretta magazine, 20 rounds of GPMG ammunition, a human skull and various charms believed to be linked to criminal activities.
According to the police commissioner, investigations revealed that the syndicate was allegedly involved in the killing of two personnel of the Imo State Homeland Security outfit during an attempted abduction of Mrs. Betty Dike at Umuguma in Owerri West LGA on May 16, 2026.
Bosso added that efforts were underway to track down other members of the gang who remain at large.
In a related operation carried out on July 7, police operatives raided the Obiakpu swamps in Ohaji/Egbema, recovering an additional 346 rounds of live ammunition, including AK-47, M16 and 9mm Beretta rounds, along with seven rifle magazines.
The police chief further disclosed that the command arrested 184 suspects over the past two months for offences ranging from kidnapping, terrorism and armed robbery to cultism, murder, rape, defilement and vehicle theft. Three kidnapped victims were also rescued within the period.
He also announced the arrest of a 58-year-old man accused of sexually abusing two teenage girls, as well as a 19-year-old suspect alleged to have defiled an eight-year-old girl. Both cases, he said, would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.