Police Raid Criminal Hideouts in Imo, Arrest 9, Recover Firearms

The Imo State Police Command has dismantled several criminal hideouts across the state, leading to the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of sophisticated weapons, including two AK-47 rifles.

In a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on criminal networks aimed at restoring security and public confidence.

Okoye revealed that operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a coordinated assault targeting high-risk areas in several local government areas.

During one of the raids on May 31 at Eke Eziama in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, a 34-year-old suspect, John Bosco Onuocha, reportedly opened fire on officers. A gunfight ensued, during which Onuocha sustained a gunshot injury to the leg before being apprehended. Other accomplices fled into nearby forests.

Investigations have since linked Onuocha to a series of violent assaults, including attacks on security agents and traditional rulers in the Mbaise region. Recovered items at the scene included a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two chain magazines with 200 rounds of live ammunition, an AK-47 rifle without a serial number, 56 live rounds, and four magazines.

Police say Onuocha confessed to playing a key role in multiple terror operations and admitted that the weapons were supplied by a notorious gang leader known as “B44,” who sought to revive criminal activities in the state. Onuocha is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Owerri.

In a separate raid in Njaba LGA, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three additional suspects identified as Ozioma Ihedoro (aka Mazi Oz), Uchenna Opara (aka Nta-Nta Mmiri), and Amaefule Emeka (aka Odopu). Emeka reportedly confessed to participating in the 2021 attack on the Federal Correctional Centre.

Weapons recovered from the group include one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action shotguns, five live cartridges, and various charms believed to be used for criminal purposes.

Further investigations led to the arrest of five more suspects—Ugwuegbu Cynthia, Ikewgbado Kennedy, Amaefule Chukwuamare Emmanuel, Eke Anayo, and Eke Chukwudi—based on confessions obtained during interrogation.

DSP Okoye emphasized that these operations reflect the Command’s continued commitment to eradicating criminal activity in Imo State. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the emergency hotline: 0803 477 3600.