The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnap kingpins and seven other alleged gang members during a major operation that led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items.
Briefing journalists in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, identified the suspected kingpins as Confidence Vitalis, 28, and Ishiaya Rejoice, 32, arrested following intelligence-led operations in the Egbema River creek.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, locally made firearms, a human skull and suspected criminal charms from the gang’s hideout.
According to the commissioner, investigations linked the suspects to the killing of two operatives of the Imo State Homeland Security during a failed kidnap attempt in Owerri West on May 16, 2026.
Bosso also disclosed that a follow-up raid on July 7 at the Obiakpu swamps in Ohaji/Egbema led to the recovery of an additional 346 rounds of live ammunition and seven rifle magazines, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The police further revealed that 184 suspects have been arrested across the state in the last two months for offences including kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, murder, rape and vehicle snatching. Two additional suspects were also arrested in separate cases involving the alleged sexual abuse of minors and will be prosecuted after investigations.
