The Imo State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 75 suspects over alleged involvement in crimes ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to terrorism, as security operatives dismantled a suspected camp linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the suspects, attributing the arrests to intensified intelligence-led operations carried out in synergy with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
Bosso said the coordinated offensives had significantly curtailed criminal activities across the state, enhancing safety for residents and visitors.
Items recovered from the suspects include three AK-47 rifles, three magazines loaded with 65 rounds of live ammunition, a Beretta pistol, two locally fabricated pistols, and six suspected stolen motorcycles.
He further revealed that on March 3, operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit responded to a distress call at the Adapalm facility in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, where suspected IPOB/ESN members allegedly set heavy equipment ablaze.
According to him, the police engaged the attackers in a gun duel, during which one suspect was fatally wounded and later died in hospital, while others fled.
“Following the attack, security presence was reinforced in the area. On March 14, operatives on surveillance encountered the suspects again, leading to another exchange of gunfire.
The hoodlums escaped with gunshot wounds, abandoning three AK-47 rifles and magazines loaded with 65 rounds of ammunition,” Bosso said.
In a separate operation conducted between February and March, the police, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, carried out a counter-terrorism raid in Orsu Local Government Area, where a camp identified as “Mother Valley” was destroyed.
The police boss said two suspects were killed during the operation, while others escaped with injuries.
He added that security operatives recovered over 300 improvised explosive devices concealed in gas cylinders and pipes, as well as five exotic vehicles during the raid.
Bosso urged residents to support security agencies with credible information, assuring that informants’ identities would be protected.
He also disclosed that adequate security arrangements had been put in place ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, including deployment of personnel to strategic locations and traffic control measures to ensure a hitch-free festive period.
The commissioner advised residents and travellers to comply with security directives and traffic regulations to sustain peace across the state.
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