Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a pump-action rifle alongside a stolen motorcycle in Owerri, intensifying efforts to curb violent crimes in the state.
The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, who said the suspects were apprehended following a targeted intelligence-led operation.
According to him, personnel of the New Owerri Divisional Headquarters tracked and arrested the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Sohnani Bitrus and Burfa Selkap, on April 3. He noted that both men hail from Langtang Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Preliminary findings, Okoye said, revealed that the suspects had earlier invaded the residence of one Joel Andrew at about 4 a.m., where they allegedly threatened him with a firearm before carting away his red Daylong motorcycle bearing registration number NWA765QT.
“The stolen motorcycle has been successfully recovered,” he added.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that subsequent interrogation of the suspects led operatives to their hideout in Okwu-Uratta, in Owerri North Local Government Area, where a pump-action rifle and a machete were recovered.
He said the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for further investigation and to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate still at large.
Reaffirming the command’s resolve to maintain public safety, Okoye stated that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had strengthened security arrangements across the state, particularly in view of the Easter celebrations.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines.