Since Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa took office on September 18, 2024, the Abia State Police Command has apprehended 141 suspects for various offenses, recovered numerous weapons and vehicles, and rescued 23 individuals, including five kidnapped children.
Abia Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka revealed during a press briefing on Thursday that the arrests comprises 110 males and 31 females.
Chinaka also highlighted the recovery of an impressive array of weapons and items during their operations, which included five homemade single-barrel shotguns, four double-barrel shotguns, two long guns, a pistol, five live cartridges, one spent cartridge, a vehicle, an autorickshaw, two motorcycles, and two bicycles.
Additional items confiscated included suspected cannabis, illegal drugs, 56 stolen cattle, two saw blades, a bag with a Nokia phone, a spanner, two large scissors, two pliers, a small flashlight, vehicle parts, armored cables, two gas cylinders, a screwdriver, an axe, and various other tools.
CP Isa announced the recovery of 56 rustled cattle after an attack on the Lokpanta Cattle Market, where seven youths were killed and 65 cattle stolen. Efforts to recover more continue.
“On 18 October, a report was filed at SCID Umuahia regarding an attack by unidentified assailants at the Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi LGA and Eziama Nunya in Isuikwuato LGA, where seven youths were killed, one injured, and 65 cattle stolen. Police operatives, in collaboration with Seriki Hausa local guards, have so far recovered 56 cattle. Efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining livestock and apprehend the attackers”, He revealed.
Regarding year-end festivities, CP Isa announced that Aba and Umuahia have been divided into strategic patrol zones. "Our teams will conduct extensive patrols and stop-and-search operations to ensure public safety.
"We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause", he said.
Isa also emphasized the command's CCTV initiative, stating that discussions are ongoing with partners to secure funding for installations in key locations throughout Abia.
"This project requires significant investment, but we're committed to making it happen," he noted.
As local government elections approach, Isa assured that a comprehensive security plan is in place, with personnel thoroughly briefed on maintaining order at polling stations and ABSIEC offices.
