A major security operation by the Imo State Police Command has led to the arrest of 12 suspected criminals linked to kidnapping, cultism, murder and other violent offences, while three kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed during coordinated raids across the state.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, several locally made firearms, vehicles, motorcycles and other items believed to have been used in criminal activities. Police said the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations carried out with the support of other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against violent crime across Imo State.
According to Okoye, operatives led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa launched a coordinated operation after five passengers were abducted from a commercial bus along Obokofia Road in Egbema and another resident was kidnapped in New Owerri on June 27, 2026. Acting on credible intelligence, security operatives raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area on June 30, rescuing three victims without injury and arresting seven suspected members of the gang.
The suspects were identified as Eric John, popularly known as “Yahoo Welder”, Light Chukwuma, Obinna Osuamma, Sylvester Nnadike, Tochukwu Precious, Destiny Albert and Caroline Oziomele. Police said other members of the syndicate escaped during the operation and are currently being tracked.
Items recovered from the hideout included one AK-47 rifle, two locally made double-barrel guns, two locally made pistols, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV without registration plates, an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK belonging to one of the rescued victims, three Q-Link motorcycles, a Sumec generator and eight branded cult caps.
Investigators also revealed that one of the rescued victims identified Eric John as one of those involved in his abduction. Police said the gang allegedly collected ₦5 million from the victim’s family before demanding an additional ₦50 million ransom prior to the rescue operation.
In a separate operation carried out on June 21, operatives arrested five suspected members of the Senior Vikings Confraternity (SVC) at Okuku in Owerri West Local Government Area. The suspects were identified as Iwuagwu Innocent Chigozie, Okparaugo Kingsley, Uchenna Daniel Akagha, Nsubechi Ekezie and Nwaneri Chigemezue.
Police said the suspects confessed during interrogation to participating in a cult initiation ceremony held in May 2026 during which an unidentified man was allegedly beaten to death. Acting on the information, detectives visited the location and recovered a decomposed body. Further searches led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and two live cartridges, while efforts continue to identify the deceased and arrest other fleeing suspects.
Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso assured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property through stronger collaboration with security agencies, local vigilante groups and members of the public. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that credible information remains vital in the fight against crime across Imo State.
