Two officers of the Imo State Police Command tragically lost their lives during a high-risk operation targeting a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating in the Orogwe area of Owerri West Local Government Area of the State.
According to a statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the mission was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which successfully neutralized three criminals and seized a significant cache of weapons, including six AK-47 rifles and 131 rounds of live ammunition.
The suspects, believed to be behind a series of kidnappings and armed robberies, were tracked down after a meticulous investigation.
The most recent operation, which occurred on December 19, 2024, led to the capture of two individuals: 20-year-old David Ifeanyichukwu and 24-year-old Abuchi Joseph.
Okoye also revealed that the gang was responsible for the abduction of Osuji Caleb Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024.
During that attack, they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables. The operation, he emphasized, was the result of months of detailed intelligence gathering and careful planning.
The police spokesperson, however, stated that two officers were injured in an exchange of gunfire and later died from their injuries.
“During the confrontation, the operatives recovered six AK-47 rifles with breach no; 11330, 12102, 3836, 8260, 9940, 113rounds of ammunition, a locally made gun, and two stolen vehicles: a Mercedes Benz ML 350 with reg no RRT 469 FF and a Hijet shuttle bus JRV 42 XA.
“The suspects had used these vehicles in their criminal activities, including the kidnapping of other victims,” he said.
