Police arrest five suspects over involvement in kidnapping, terrorism in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has arrested five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing residents in Obinze, Avu, and surrounding areas.

The group is also accused of abducting a 26-year-old woman from her residence in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area.

The suspects, identified as Umaru Usman (40) from Mauree in Sokoto State, Tukur Yau (25) from Dawakinkudur in Kano State, Musbau Sabo (18) from Warsaw Local Government in Kano State, Abdul Ibrahim (30) from Sokoto State, and Jubrin Idris (35) from Sokoto State, were apprehended by the police following an intense manhunt.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the Command acted swiftly after receiving a report of the woman’s abduction on August 18, 2024. The Commissioner of Police immediately deployed the anti-kidnapping unit, utilizing all available resources and intelligence to track down the perpetrators.

The police traced the suspects to a forest hideout in Avu, where they successfully rescued the victim unharmed and arrested the suspects. Recovered items included a pump-action gun, five cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and various criminal charms.

The statement added that investigations are ongoing to capture the remaining members of the gang and ensure they face justice.