By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
OWERRI, Imo State — The Imo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected armed robbers and cultists during intelligence-led operations in Ihiagwa, Owerri West Local Government Area, recovering firearms and live ammunition in the process.
The operation followed a robbery complaint lodged on July 18, 2026, by a student of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, who reported that he was attacked at gunpoint along the FUTO Road, Ihiagwa.
Acting on credible intelligence generated from the investigation, operatives of the Ihiagwa Police Division arrested three suspects identified as Stanley Nwachukwu, 26; Moses Okezie, 28; and Gabriel Confidence, 26, on July 28.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.
According to the Police, preliminary investigation led to revelations about the suspects’ alleged involvement in cult-related criminal activities. The three suspects reportedly confessed to belonging to a particular cult group and provided information that enabled operatives to track down four additional suspects.
Those arrested were identified as Emeka Oguike, 28; Gideon Kadiri, 21; Nnodim David, 21; and Kingsley Okwara, 22, who were apprehended at different locations.
Police authorities said the arrests formed part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks allegedly operating within and around the student community, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
The operation also yielded the recovery of firearms and ammunition, including one cut-to-size English-made single-barrel gun, one locally made revolver pistol, one locally made single-barrel gun and four rounds of live cartridges.
The Command said investigation is continuing, with efforts underway to apprehend other suspects who are currently at large.
Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, commended the officers and operatives involved in the operation for what he described as a successful intelligence-led intervention.
He reassured residents that the Command would sustain its crackdown on cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The latest arrests come amid heightened security operations in parts of Imo State, as law enforcement authorities intensify efforts to disrupt criminal and cult networks capable of threatening residents, students and businesses.
The Police urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.
