Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have lost two officers while chasing criminal elements suspected to be a kidnapping syndicate operating within Orogwe axis in Owerri West LGA of the State.
A press release from the desk of the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in which three of the suspects were eliminated and 6 AK-47 rifles, including 131 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from them.
He added that the suspects were involved in kidnapping and armed robbery, On December 19, 2024.
Okoye revealed that the command was able to capture two of the suspects by name, David Ifeanyichukwu ‘m’ (20yrs) and Abuchi Joseph, ‘m’ (24yrs)
The command spokesperson further revealed that the gang had been involved in the abduction of one Osuji Caleb Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024, during which they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables.
He hinted that the command embarked on the operation following extensive investigation and intelligence gathering.
“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.
The police spokesperson, however, stated that two police officers were injured during an exchange of fire and later gave up the ghost.
