Police arrest armed robbers, cultist in Imo, recover arms

The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers, Ntosi Godfrey, and Nnamdi Raymond, en route to Owerri with a Green Toyota Golf, Reg No AA775BD Lagos, allegedly snatched from a victim in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, made this known in a statement on Friday.

He said the arrest was made through the efforts of the operatives of the command tactical unit while on intelligence-led stop-and-search along Owerri-Aba road.

The statement read, “The suspects opened fire on sighting police operatives but were given stiff resistance by the ever-gallant operatives who manoeuvred to vintage and returned fire. In the ensuing gun duel, one of the suspects sustained bullet injuries aand was later taken to a nearby medical hospital for treatment while the other suspect was arrested.

“Recovered from the suspects included one pump action gun, one locally fabricated gun, 10 rounds of live cartridges, and the Toyota Golf.

“On interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a deadly armed robbery syndicate in Umuahia and mentioned one suspect at large”.

The statement added “In a different development, operatives of Nekede Divisional Headquarters in collaboration with the local vigilantes last week at about 0650hrs, embarked on a sting operation on a suspected cultist hideout, following a tip-off that rival cult groups are planning to destabilize the peace and security of Umuanunu Obinze in Owerri West LGA, Imo State and other areas in the State.

“In the course of the operation, one suspected cultist, Chibueze Kalu, ‘m’ 25yrs was arrested. Items recovered from him including one locally made pistol.

“The suspect confessed to being a member of the black axe confraternity.

“A comprehensive Investigation is ongoing. Efforts are in progress to unravel the mamanufacturers and distributors of locally-made guns and make them face the full wrath of the law.

“The suspects will certainly have their day in court”.

Okoye said the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, has affirmed that the arrest of the suspects is in furtherance of the Command’s unwavering determination to completely eradicate crime in the State, noting that the Command will continue to clamp down on notorious criminal syndicates hibernating within the State and its borders.

The CP urged ‘Ndi Imo’ to be security conscious and continue to support the Police and other security agencies by reporting any suspicious person seen or clandestine activity observed within the vicinity of the nearest Police Station.

He said, “Let us collaboratively work towards achieving a safer and more secure Imo State for economic growth and prosperity”.