The Imo State Police Command has recorded another success in its fight against violent crime, as operatives of Orji Division, in synergy with the Anti-Narcotics Unit, arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered incriminating exhibits.

The suspect, Chigaemezu Aguguom, was arrested last Thursday around 6:00 am near Pacific Hotel, Owerri, the Imo state capital.

Acting on credible intelligence, a patrol team led by the DPO of Orji Division apprehended Aguguom, a native of Umuneke, Isiala Mbano LGA, who had earlier sustained gunshot wounds during a failed criminal operation at the Bishop’s Court axis.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a five-man armed robbery gang. He provided useful information currently aiding efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Exhibits recovered include two locally fabricated firearms with five live cartridges, four smartphones, a wristwatch, and other valuables suspected to have been stolen from victims.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye who confirmed the incident, said the suspect and exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.

To this end, he said the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso has assured Imolites of adequate security during the Easter period and urged the public to support the Command by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the emergency contact number.

In a related development, operatives of the Enugu State Police Command rescued a kidnapped female victim, neutralised one suspected kidnapper, and recovered several incriminating items during a coordinated security operation in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, whichh took place at the weekend, followed credible intelligence on the abduction of the victim at about 3:30 p.m. in Ezimo community.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division to immediately mobilise a joint security team to rescue the victim.

The team, comprising police operatives, personnel of the Nigerian Army, Neighbourhood Watch members, and Forest Guards, reportedly trailed the suspects to Agu Orba Forest along the Ohebe-Orba axis.

“On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt, debriefed, and subsequently reunited with her family.

Items recovered from the scene include five rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, a long machete, a short dagger, four mobile phones, torchlights, power banks, memory cards, and the sum of N51,700, among other personal effects.

Ndukwe added that security operatives have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Commending the operatives for their bravery and effective collaboration, the Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the command’s commitment to rid the state of violent criminal elements.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations. (The Nation)