A notorious crime den located at No. 1 Nekede Old Road, near Nwaorie Bridge in Owerri, has been demolished by the Imo State Government in a coordinated security operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements. Led by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Monitoring and Compliance, Hon. Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the crackdown resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the complete destruction of the structure believed to harbor drug traffickers, armed robbers, and gang operatives.
The early-morning raid took residents by surprise and was hailed by many who had lived in fear of the activities linked to the hideout. According to officials, the building had long served as a nerve center for organized crime, making it a prime target in the government’s intensified anti-crime initiative.
Hon. Nwaneri, addressing reporters at the scene, stated: “This is one of many criminal hideouts we will continue to uncover and dismantle. This place was a hub for terror and drug-related operations. Governor Uzodimma has directed that there will be no safe haven for criminality in Imo State.”
The demolition video, which has since gone viral on social media, sparked widespread support from locals who expressed relief, saying the move would bring back sanity and reduce criminal incidents in the area.
The operation is part of a broader campaign by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration to restore security and public confidence in state institutions. Several previous operations have targeted hotspots across Owerri and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the government has issued a stern warning to property owners and community leaders, urging them to report any suspicious activities within their premises or risk facing legal consequences for aiding and abetting crime.
With this latest show of force, the Imo State Government is doubling down on its resolve to rid the state of criminal networks and ensure a safer, more secure environment for all residents.
