The Imo State Police Command says it has launched in conjunction with the military a specialized operation to stamp out kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent criminal syndicates terrorizing residents of the state.
The command listed areas where residents are daily being terrorized by these criminals to include Obinze, Ihiagwa, Avu, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) axis, all in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, the command said the operation would leverage the combined expertise and resources of both security agencies to bring to book the masterminds and foot soldiers of these dastardly acts.
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ASP Okoye added that reports of increased kidnapping incidents in recent times in these areas have raised sufficient concern among residents and students.
According to him, the unsavoury development has necessitated the command to deploy a team of highly trained personnel to conduct focused operations aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by the criminal syndicates.
He said the objective of the operation is to ensure peace and security in the state and to guarantee that institutions of learning in the state including FUTO remain safe havens for teaching and learning.
ASP Okoye said; “Recent reports of increased kidnapping incidents in these areas have raised significant concern among residents and students. In response, the Imo State Police Command has deployed a team of highly trained personnel to conduct focused operations aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by these criminal elements. Our objective is to enhance the peace and security of the state and to guarantee that educational institutions, including FUTO, remain safe environments for learning.
“The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP AbokiDanjuma, solicits the maximum cooperation of the general public in this effort and urges residents to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station promptly or via 0803 477 3600. By working together, we can enhance our efforts to combat these criminal elements effectively.
“The Command, alongside our military partners, remains committed to upholding law and order and will continue to provide updates on the progress of the operation as they become available”.
Recall that several persons have reportedly kidnapped in communities in Owerri West Local Government Area particularly Obinze where the 34 Field Artillery Brigade FAB is domiciled.
Last week, kidnappers reportedly blocked the entrance into FUTO and seized three persons.
