The Imo State Police Command has arrested four men inside a forest in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area in connection with kidnapping.

The Imo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, made the announcement in a statement on Monday.

He said following the series of kidnap complaints from residents in the Owerri West Local Government Area, the command, on Sunday, conducted an operation inside a forest in Irete where four men were arrested with firearms.

According to him, the police operatives acted on credible information which led to the arrest of four suspects: Suleiman Ahmed (26), Mohammed Salisu (31), and Gambo Jefta (26), all from Jigawa State, and Gabriel Ogbuzuru from Ebonyi State adding that three short guns with six rounds of live cartridges and three machetes were recovered from them.

Okoye stated, ?Sequel to a series of complaints of kidnapping in Irete and other communities in Owerri West LGA, operatives of the Imo State Police Command on March 2, 2025, conducted a well-coordinated operation at a forest in Irete, leading to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements responsible for the recent surge in abductions and other violent crimes in the area.

?Acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed a forest hideout in Irete, apprehending four suspects: Suleiman Ahmed (26), Mohammed Salisu (31), and Gambo Jefta (26), all from Jigawa State, and Gabriel Ogbuzuru from Ebonyi State. Upon searching the suspects and their hideout, three fabricated short with six rounds of live cartridges, and three matchetes were recovered.?

The PPRO disclosed that the suspects were all in police custody and would face prosecution adding that the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, personally led operatives on further combing operations on Monday to nab fleeing suspects.

He said, ?The suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution. Following this achievement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, led further combing operations on Monday to apprehend additional fleeing suspects.?

Meanwhile, CP Danjuma has increased security measures including patrols with local vigilantes to enhance peace and security in the region.

Okoye assured the public that the police were committed to dismantling all criminal gangs and ensuring a safer Imo State.

He called on the people to be vigilant and law-abiding even as security operations continued saying, ?CP Aboki Danjuma has also intensified security measures, including confidence-building patrols and collaboration with local vigilantes, to enhance peace and security in the region. He assured the public of the command?s commitment to dismantling all criminal networks and maintaining a safer Imo State.

?The Imo State Police Command calls on the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding as security operations continue across the state. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious movement or criminal activities to the nearest police station or via the command?s emergency hotlines 0803 477 3600, 08148024755. Together, we can build a safer and prosperous Imo State?, the statement read. (Text, excluding headline: The PUNCH)

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