Imo: Police arrest criminal suspects, recover human skulls, arms, others 

The Nigeria Police, Imo State Command said it has arrested 184 suspects during major operations within the state, rescued three kidnapped victims, recovered two human skulls, AK-47 rifles and other incriminating items.

The State Police Commissioner, Audu Garba Bosso made the disclosure at the Command’s Headquarters in Owerri after parading some of the suspects.

Bosso narrated that some of the suspects were arrested in separate intelligence-led operations for criminal offences bordering on kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, murder, defilement, rape, sexual assault and other criminal activities.

According to him, in the course of the operations, the Command recovered two AK-47 rifles, eleven AK-47 magazines, three M16 rifle magazines, five locally made double-barrel.

Other arms recovered, include cut-to-size guns, four locally made pistols, a total of 382 rounds of assorted ammunition comprising 138 rounds of AK-47 ammunition 148 rounds of M16 rifle ammunition, 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta pistol ammunition, and 20 rounds of General Purpose Machine Gun, GPMG.

He added that the Command did not end in recovering arms but went ahead to discover human skulls and items suspected to be charms.

Explaining how some of the suspects were arrested, the police commissioner hinted that statement of the rescued victims in Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A, led to a follow-up operation at a suspected kidnappers’ hideout located within the Egbema creek in Rivers State.

He said the operation dislodged camps of the criminals and seven suspects were arrested along with recovering of one AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, sixteen rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and locally made guns.

“Further investigation established that the same criminal gang was responsible for the killing of two personnel of the Imo State Homeland Security at Umuguma, Owerri West LGA on 16th May, 2026, during an attempt to kidnap one Mrs Betty Oluchi Dike.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

“Also, on 7th July, 2026, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the State Police Command stormed the Obiakpu swamps in Ohaji/Egbema LGA where they recovered an additional cache of 346 rounds of live ammunition, comprising 122 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 148 rounds of M16 rifle ammunition, and 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta pistol and others ” he said.

In a different development, CP Bosso narrated that detectives of the Command arrested a 58 year old man, Nduka Iheme, resident of Umuakabia, Orsu LGA, on June 24, 2026, for alleged sexual abuse of two minors.

His arrest followed complaints by the victims’ parents and upon investigation it was revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the victims to his residence under the pretext of offering them a job and had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victims.

Another suspect, 19-year-old Chijoke Johnson from Akpuru Nnorie, Ngor-Okpala LGA, was apprehended for alleged defilement of an 8-year-old minor.

The incident, according to the State Police Boss, occurred when the victim visited the suspect’s residence to fetch water, during which he allegedly forced her inside and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

CP Bosso, maintained that the achievements recorded are clear demonstration of the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any safe haven within the  State.

He added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and to dismantle all networks connected to criminal activities.

“I want to assure Ndi Imo that the State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property. I urge members of the public to continue partnering with the Police by providing useful information. Together, we will continue to keep the State safe and secure.”