184 Suspects Nabbed, Terror Camp Destroyed: Imo Police Unveil Major Crime Bust

The Imo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against crime, arresting 184 suspects and dismantling a notorious kidnapping and terrorist network operating within the state.
Addressing journalists in Owerri on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed that the Command’s intelligence-led operations over the past two months led to the arrest of suspects linked to kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, murder, rape, defilement, vehicle snatching, stealing, and other violent crimes.
The operations also resulted in the successful rescue of three kidnapped victims and the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, cult items, criminal charms, and other exhibits.
Among the recovered items were two AK-47 rifles, eleven AK-47 magazines, three M16 rifle magazines, five locally fabricated guns, four pistols, 382 rounds of assorted ammunition, 18 live cartridges, vehicles, motorcycles, a generator, cult regalia, a human skull, and several criminal charms.
A major highlight of the Command’s achievements was the arrest of suspected kidnapping kingpins, Confidence Vitalis, 28, from Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, and Ishiaya Rejoice, 32, from Emuoha, Rivers State.
Following their arrest and confessional statements, police operatives on July 6 stormed a suspected kidnappers’ and terrorists’ camp hidden deep inside the Egbema River creek. The operation led to the dislodgement of the camp, the arrest of seven additional suspects, and the rescue of three kidnapped victims.
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition, three locally made guns, 16 live cartridges, an empty Beretta magazine, 20 rounds of GPMG ammunition, a human skull, and assorted charms from the hideout.
The rescued victims reportedly identified some of the arrested suspects as members of the gang responsible for their abduction.
Investigations further revealed that the same criminal syndicate was allegedly involved in the killing of two personnel of the Imo State Homeland Security at Umuguma, Owerri West LGA, during a failed kidnap attempt on Mrs. Betty Oluchi Dike on May 16, 2026.
In another major operation carried out on July 7, police operatives acting on credible intelligence raided the Obiakpu swamps in Ohaji/Egbema and uncovered an additional cache of 346 rounds of live ammunition. The recovered ammunition included 122 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 148 rounds of M16 ammunition, and 76 rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, alongside seven rifle magazines.
The Command also recorded significant breakthroughs in cases involving sexual offences.
Police arrested 58-year-old Nduka Iheme of Umuakabia, Orsu LGA, over the alleged sexual abuse of two 15-year-old girls. Preliminary investigations revealed that he allegedly lured the victims to his residence under the guise of offering them employment before sexually assaulting them. The victims have undergone medical examinations, while the suspect is expected to face prosecution.
Similarly, detectives arrested 19-year-old Chijoke Johnson from Akpuru Nnorie, Ngor-Okpala LGA, for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl. Medical reports reportedly confirmed evidence of abuse, while the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation.
CP Bosso described the successes as proof of the Command’s determination to rid Imo State of criminal elements and ensure that no part of the state serves as a safe haven for kidnappers, terrorists, cultists, and other violent offenders.
He commended the courage and professionalism of police operatives and appreciated members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operations.
The Commissioner assured residents that intelligence-driven operations would continue across the state until all criminal networks are dismantled and those responsible brought to justice.