OWERRI, Imo State — The Imo State Police Command has arrested 12 suspected criminals involved in kidnapping, cultism, and murder, while also rescuing three abducted victims and recovering a cache of weapons, authorities have confirmed.
The operation is part of a broader crackdown on criminal networks operating in the state. According to police sources, the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations conducted across different locations. The suspects are believed to be members of various syndicates responsible for a series of violent crimes, including high-profile kidnappings, cult clashes, and homicides.
During the operations, three individuals who had been kidnapped were successfully rescued. They have since been reunited with their families after receiving medical attention. Security forces also recovered several firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons believed to have been used in the commission of crimes.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State commended the operatives for their professionalism and urged residents to continue collaborating with security agencies by providing timely information. The police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state, warning that criminal elements would have no hiding place.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The command also called on members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station to aid ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state.
