The Imo State Police Command in their efforts and determination to decisively stem the tide of crime in the State in line with the whistle blowing strategy initiated by the Commissioner of Police, CP Chris O. Ezike have recorded another giant strides in the arrest of some notorious armed robbery/kidnap suspects.

The recent successes recorded after the parade of the over 36 suspects are as follows:

1. ARREST/DEATH OF ARMED ROBBERY/KIDNAP SUSPECTS AND RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION
SUSPECTS: (1) IFEANYI EBUKA “M” 38YRS OF ISHINWEKE IHITTE UBOMA L.G.A.
(2) EMEKA NWIGWE “M” 28YRS OF UMUEKWUNE IRETE OWERRI WEST L.G.A
DECEASED SUSPECTS: (1) MOSES MBEREKPE “M” FROM ORSU
OBODO IN OGUTA L.G.A
(2) AZUBUIKE aka “Zuby” “M” ALSO FROM OGUTA L.G.A

On 30/06/2017, operatives of the command monitoring unit while on routine patrol near a petrol station at Irete in Owerri West L.G.A had encounter with a four man gang of suspected kidnappers/armed robbers. In the ensuing exchange of gun fire, the above named suspects were overpowered and arrested with various degrees of injuries.

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Exhibits recovered from the suspects include the following:
i) One (1) AK 47 rifle with breech no. BH-7812
ii) One (1) pump action gun
iii) One (1) cut to size locally made gun
iv) Seventeen (17) rounds of AK 47 ammunition
v) Thirteen (13) rounds of live cartridges
vi) Six (6) expended cartridges
vii) Some charms and mask

Two of the suspects later died as a result of injuries sustained during the exchange of fire while the surviving two are cooperating with investigation.

2. DEATH OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS/RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION

Similarly, on 30/06/2017, operatives of the Nekede Division of the command while on routine patrol along Ihiagwa in Owerri West L.G.A had encounter with unidentified three man gang of suspected armed robbers who opened fire on sighting the patrol team. In the ensued gun duel, three of the suspected unidentified armed robbers were overpowered and arrested with various degrees of injuries. They however gave up the ghost on the way to the hospital.

Exhibits recovered from them include:
i) Two (2) locally made short guns
ii) Two (2) live cartridges
iii) One (1) motorcycle

The State Commissioner of Police working in tandem with members of the community in his whistle blowing strategy has averred that it will no longer be business as usual for the perpetrators of crime and criminality in the state.