The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 75 suspects linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder, and theft.

The Command also reported the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and several stolen vehicles.

The State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Owerri during the parade of the suspects.

He stated that keeping residents informed about the security situation in the state remains a key responsibility of the Command, alongside highlighting its operational achievements.

According to Bosso, within the past month, the Command—working in collaboration with other security agencies and supported by community stakeholders—has intensified intelligence-driven operations across the state, leading to notable successes in combating crime.

He noted that these coordinated efforts have significantly reduced criminal activities, thereby improving safety for both residents and visitors.

“Within the period under review, we arrested a total of 75 suspects involved in offences such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder, and stealing,” he said.

He further revealed that the police recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of live ammunition, two locally made pistols, one Beretta pistol, and six stolen motorcycles.

The Commissioner also highlighted a major breakthrough involving the neutralization of a suspected terrorist and the recovery of weapons.

Providing details, Bosso explained that on March 3, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call from Stanley Unamba, Chief Security Officer of Adapalm in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, reporting an attack by armed men who set heavy machinery and equipment ablaze.

He said security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel during the intervention, during which one suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

Following the incident, security presence in the area was intensified to track down the fleeing suspects.

Bosso added that on March 14, operatives on surveillance patrol encountered the suspects again. A gun battle ensued, forcing the attackers to flee with gunshot wounds while abandoning three AK-47 rifles and magazines loaded with 65 rounds of ammunition.

In a related development, the Police Command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, carried out a counter-terrorism operation in Orsu Local Government Area between February and March.

The operation led to the destruction of a terrorist camp known as “Mother Valley.” According to the Commissioner, the suspects engaged security forces but were eventually subdued due to superior firepower.

During the operation, two suspected terrorists were neutralized, while over 300 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including gas cylinders and galvanized pipes, as well as five vehicles, were recovered.

Bosso urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information to enhance security efforts.

He also assured the public that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration across the state.