Police, military dismantle kidnapping syndicate, kill one in Imo 

Imo State map

Operatives from the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), in collaboration with military personnel, killed a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist.

The command said it also dismantled a kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.

This was contained in a  Friday press release signed by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye.

The statement stated, “The operation led to the neutralisation of one suspected terrorist and the safe rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road last week.

The rescued victims included Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr and Mrs Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31, respectively, both natives of Ohi in Owerri, as well as Bartholomew, a 56-year-old male from Benue State.”

“As security forces approached the hideout, the suspects opened fire but were effectively repelled, resulting in the neutralisation of one suspect. Others fled into nearby bushes with varying injuries.

“Items recovered from the camp included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafra flag, a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms.”

“Ongoing operations are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, underscoring the Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to reduce crime to its barest minimum in the state.”

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General Usman Lawal, have commended the operatives for their swift and effective action.

They urge the joint operatives to maintain their momentum in the continuous fight against crime in the state.