A late-night armed robbery in Owerri has led to the arrest of two suspects, with police recovering a pump-action rifle and a stolen motorcycle in a swift operation that highlights growing security vigilance in Imo State.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two men linked to a gunpoint robbery, following a targeted intelligence-led operation by officers attached to the New Owerri Divisional Headquarters.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said the suspects—25-year-old Sohnani Bitrus and 25-year-old Burfa Selkap—were apprehended on April 3. Both men are said to be natives of Langtang Local Government Area in Plateau State.
Investigators say the suspects carried out an early morning attack on a resident, Joel Andrew, at about 4:00 am. During the incident, the victim was reportedly threatened with a firearm before his red Daylong motorcycle, bearing registration number NWA765QT, was taken away.
The stolen motorcycle has since been recovered, offering some relief to the victim and reinforcing the effectiveness of the police response.
Further searches led officers to a hideout in the Okwu-Uratta area of Owerri North Local Government Area, where a pump-action rifle and a machete believed to have been used in the robbery were found.
Authorities say the suspects will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Owerri, where a wider probe is underway to track down other members of the alleged robbery gang.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, assured residents that security measures remain in place, especially during and after the Easter period. Residents have also been urged to share timely and credible information with security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.
