The Imo State Police Command’s Tactical Unit apprehended two suspects linked to criminal activities in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
The suspects, identified as 37-year-old Ntosi Godfrey and Nnandi Raymond, were detained during a routine police operation along the Owerri-Aba road.
The duo was traveling in a green Toyota Golf with registration number AA775BD Lagos, which they allegedly stole from a victim in Umuahia, Abia State.
According to a statement released by ASP Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, the suspects fired upon police officers when they were stopped.
The officers, however, responded swiftly and effectively, leading to a brief gunfight in which one suspect was injured and subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The other suspect was arrested without further incident.
The police recovered a pump-action shotgun, a locally fabricated gun, ten rounds of live cartridges, and the stolen Toyota Golf from the suspects.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to being part of a notorious armed robbery gang operating in Umuahia.
They also revealed information about another gang member who remains at large.
In a separate operation, police officers from the Nekede Divisional Headquarters, working with local vigilante groups, arrested a suspected cultist, Chibueze Kalu, aged 25.
The arrest was made following a tip-off about potential disturbances planned by rival cult groups in Umuanunu Obinze, Owerri West LGA, and other areas in Imo State.
The police recovered a locally made pistol from Kalu, who later confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity.
ASP Okoye confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing to identify the manufacturers and distributors of the locally-made firearms.
The arrested individuals will face charges in court once the investigation is complete.
The Commissioner of Police for Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, praised the officers for their dedication and reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating crime in the state.
He urged residents of Imo State, known as ‘Ndi Imo,’ to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities.
“We must work together to achieve a safer and more secure Imo State, which is crucial for economic growth and prosperity,” the Commissioner said.
