The Imo State Police Command has recorded notable successes in its efforts to combat crime, leading to improved peace and security across the state within the first month of 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, attributed the achievements to the support and encouragement of Governor Hope Uzodimma, noting that sustained security operations have yielded positive results.

According to him, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams arrested 25 suspects linked to offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug trafficking, terrorism associated with IPOB/ESN, murder, child trafficking, stealing, and receiving stolen property.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed that several of the suspects were apprehended with arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs. Items recovered include four assault rifles, 25 cartridges, two vehicles, three motorcycles, about 1,200 kilograms (35 bags) of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, stolen aluminium roofing sheets, and other incriminating exhibits.

Among those arrested are suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), including Eririogu Chukwuebuka (28) from Egwuede Atta, Njaba LGA; Ezemonye Orji (32) from Edda, Afikpo, Ebonyi State; Kelechi Michael (28) from Ubowuala, Emekuku, Owerri North LGA; and three others.

Okoye said the suspects are allegedly responsible for the 2021 killing of HRH Eze Durueburuo E. of Okwudo Autonomous Community and HRH Eze Sampson Osunwa, the traditional ruler of Ihebinowere Autonomous Community, both in Njaba LGA, in addition to several cases of kidnapping and armed robbery. Recovered from them were an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action gun, seven cartridges, and suspected criminal charms.

In another operation, police arrested a notorious ESN member, Ezen Chinonso Ugochukwu, who had been on the Command’s wanted list. He was apprehended at the boundary between Nnebukwu and Orsu Obodo in Oguta Local Government Area. His confession reportedly led to the discovery and dismantling of an ESN camp in Orsu Obodo, where one AK-47 rifle, one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

The suspect also allegedly confessed to the killing of several victims, including a pastor and a pregnant woman.

Okoye stated that all suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, in line with the rule of law.

He added that the Commissioner of Police has reassured residents of the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and sustain public safety, urging Imo citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information.