Police operatives in Imo State have arrested 12 individuals linked to kidnapping, cultism, murder, and other violent crimes during separate security operations across the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the raids also led to the rescue of three kidnap victims and the recovery of several weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, and other items believed to have been used in criminal activities.
According to the Imo State Police Command, the operation followed the abduction of passengers along Obokofia Road in Egbema and the kidnapping of a young man in New Owerri on June 27.
Acting on intelligence, officers stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, where seven suspected gang members were arrested and three victims were rescued unharmed.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, locally fabricated firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, a generator, and cult-related items from the suspects. One of the rescued victims reportedly identified a member of the gang, which allegedly collected N5 million in ransom and was demanding an additional N50 million before the police intervention.
In a separate operation, police arrested five suspected members of the Senior Vikings Confraternity in Owerri West LGA. Investigators said the suspects confessed to participating in a cult initiation ceremony that allegedly resulted in the death of an unidentified man.
Officers later recovered the victim’s decomposed body and additional weapons during follow-up raids. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
