Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 24 suspects during coordinated security raids across forested communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State amid growing concerns over kidnapping and violent attacks in the area.
The large-scale operation, carried out in Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede and Okolochi communities, involved more than 250 police officers and local vigilante operatives deployed to suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the forests.
Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the operation on Monday, saying it was conducted under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, as part of proactive measures to curb insecurity in Owerri West.
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According to the command, the operation was led by the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam.
Okoye said the raids targeted areas believed to be used by criminal gangs allegedly linked to kidnapping, armed attacks and other violent crimes reported by residents in recent weeks.
“During the operation, a total of 24 suspects were arrested from different locations within the forest,” the police spokesperson said.
Some of the suspects identified by the command include Jonah Abotu, 21; Abel John, 22; Ibrahim Ubande, 40; Peter Samuel, 28; Kabiru Yahaya, 20; and Yahaya Adamu, 22.
The police said items recovered from some of the suspects included weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa, more than six unregistered motorcycles and other incriminating materials.
Authorities added that all suspects had been transferred to the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest crackdown follows mounting tension in Eziobodo and neighbouring communities, where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over attacks and alleged kidnappings linked to armed criminal groups operating in nearby forests.
The situation recently triggered protests by residents of Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, who demanded stronger security intervention from the state government and security agencies.
The protest came after the killing of a resident, Chimuanya Eke, who was reportedly attacked by suspected armed herders while attempting to buy drugs for his sick child.
Residents said the father of five later died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, sparking outrage across the community and renewed calls for urgent action against criminal activities in the area.
Security analysts say forested communities around Owerri West have increasingly become security flashpoints due to difficult terrain and the activities of armed groups using isolated locations as hideouts.
The police command said the latest operation was part of sustained efforts to restore public confidence and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to aggressive security operations, insisting that coordinated raids would continue until criminal elements are flushed out completely.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through emergency lines and nearby police stations.
The operation adds to a growing number of security offensives launched across parts of southeastern Nigeria as authorities intensify pressure on kidnappers, armed gangs and violent criminal networks blamed for worsening insecurity in several communities.
