By CHARLES IWUOHA

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command?s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation.

The operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area, led to the arrest of one suspect, Ozioma Dike, after an exchange of gunfire. Other members of the syndicate fled into the bushes.

Recovered from the suspect were a pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone belonging to a victim who had been kidnapped on January 8, 2025, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of a group responsible for several kidnappings in Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities within Mbaitoli LGA.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members while Dike remains in police custody. He is expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigation. The police have assured the public of their commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

In a related development, the anti-kidnapping arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara, on January 16, 2025, for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death. The incident occurred in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli LGA, following a minor dispute involving their children. Okpara reportedly attacked Unakalamba with a broken bottle after the argument escalated.

Responding to a distress call, police operatives apprehended the suspect and recovered the weapon. The victim was confirmed dead at the hospital, and the suspect remains in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by police Spokesperson, Henry Okoye.

The Commissioner of Police Imo State Police Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has continue to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes and maintain peace and security across the state.