The Imo State Police Command says it has intensified its crackdown on violent crimes, arresting 957 suspects, including alleged kidnappers, armed robbers, and terrorists, within the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Owerri on Friday.
He said nine kidnap victims and seven stolen children were rescued and reunited with their families during the operations.
Highlighting what he described as a major breakthrough, Danjuma said the command dismantled several camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He added that investigators also traced and arrested some financiers of the group, cutting off key funding channels.
“On September 16, operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit and the Special Intervention Squad stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area.
The hoodlums engaged us in a fierce gun battle but were subdued by our superior firepower.
Sixteen suspects, including their sub-commander, Uzoechi Okechukwu, were arrested,” the CP said.
Danjuma also confirmed the detention of Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, 25, and Chinonso Ozuruigbo, 32, for allegedly kidnapping one Anayo Iwuoha on June 18 in Akabo, Ikeduru LGA.
The suspects were said to have collected N3 million ransom and were still demanding an additional N10 million when they were apprehended.
In another operation, 27-year-old Chukwuebika Eruruogu, identified as a notorious IPOB/ESN member, was arrested on September 9 for allegedly terrorising communities in Mbaitoli, Njaba and Orlu LGAs.
The command also reported the arrest of four suspected cultists linked to the death of Chidubem Orji, who was killed during a forced initiation.
Items recovered during the raids included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally fabricated pistols, ammunition, charms, counterfeit currency, defunct Biafran notes, laptops, phones, and a register allegedly used for training and roll calls.
Danjuma noted that efforts were ongoing to block the supply channels of arms to criminal groups.
He added that only minor injuries were sustained by officers during the operations.
The police commissioner commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for supporting the command with welfare and logistics and thanked Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance.
He assured residents that the police remained committed to eradicating crime and restoring peace across the state.