Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have recorded significant successes in recent anti-kidnapping operations, resulting in the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers and the arrest of twelve other suspects. The security forces also recovered the body of a kidnap victim, arms, ammunition, and several mobile phones.
Dual Operations Yield Results
According to a statement by the command's spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the first operation was conducted by officers from the Agwa Division. Led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), the team engaged a gang of kidnappers along Obudi/Mgbala Road in Oguta Local Council. The suspects were reportedly using a white mini bus. During the exchange, two of the kidnappers were fatally wounded.
In a separate operation, personnel from the Nekede Division in Owerri West Local Council raided the Umuezeruokam Forest. This action led to the arrest of twelve individuals. The police recovered twelve mobile phones and an assortment of dangerous weapons from the suspects. The body of the deceased kidnap victim has been moved to a mortuary for preservation and further investigation.
Police Deny Allegations Against Anti-Kidnapping Unit
The command has also taken a firm stance against allegations of misconduct at its specialized Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU), also known as Tiger Base. The police refuted claims circulating online that the facility is involved in human rights abuses, including torture, organ trafficking, and extra-judicial killings.
DSP Okoye described a viral video purporting to support these allegations as "false, unfounded and with the intention to mislead the public." He clarified that Tiger Base is a legitimate tactical formation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) mandated to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes in Imo State. "It was not an illegal detention facility or slaughter house," he emphasized.
Strengthening Oversight and Public Trust
Highlighting the unit's achievements, Okoye stated, "The unit has successfully dismantled many notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates, contributing to the improved peace and security that Imolites enjoy today." He attributed the damaging narratives to a smear campaign by criminal elements affected by ongoing security operations.
To enhance transparency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed the immediate establishment of a Human Rights Desk within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. This desk is intended to safeguard the rights of all persons handled by the unit and ensure accountability.
The public is urged to disregard the false claims and to channel any genuine complaints through official avenues like the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), XSquad, or the newly created Human Rights Desk at the AKU. The police also issued a warning against circulating false information to incite fear, noting that such acts violate the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
CP Danjuma reaffirmed the command's commitment to ridding Imo State of criminal elements and promised that the tempo of security operations would be sustained.
