Police Capture Armed Robbers and Cultist in Imo, Seize Weapons

The Imo State Police Command has apprehended two suspected armed robbers, Ntosi Godfrey and Nnamdi Raymond, who were traveling to Owerri in a green Toyota Golf with registration number AA775BD Lagos. The vehicle was reportedly stolen from a victim in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the suspects were arrested following a tactical stop-and-search operation on the Owerri-Aba road. The police encountered resistance when the suspects fired upon them. During the ensuing gunfight, one suspect was injured and taken to a nearby hospital, while the other was arrested.

The police recovered a pump-action gun, a locally made firearm, 10 rounds of live ammunition, and the stolen Toyota Golf from the suspects. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to being part of a notorious armed robbery syndicate in Umuahia and named an accomplice who remains at large.

In a separate operation, officers from the Nekede Divisional Headquarters, in collaboration with local vigilantes, conducted a raid on a suspected cultist hideout following intelligence that rival cult groups were planning to disrupt the peace in Umuanunu Obinze, Owerri West LGA, and other areas. They arrested Chibueze Kalu, a 25-year-old suspected cultist, and recovered a locally made pistol. Kalu confessed to being a member of the Black Axe confraternity.

The Imo State Police Command is conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify the manufacturers and distributors of illegal firearms, with the aim of prosecuting them fully.

Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma emphasized the Command’s commitment to eradicating crime in the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Danjuma called on the people of Imo State to work together to ensure a safer environment conducive to economic growth and prosperity.