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Photos: Imo police smash kidnapping syndicates, recover 14 AK-47 rifles, ammunition

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The Imo State Police Command has recorded commanding breakthroughs in its campaign against violent crime and criminal syndicates, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

The operations, spearheaded by CP Aboki Danjuma, led to the arrest of thousands of suspects, the recovery of a substantial arsenal, and the rescue of over 100 victims.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Okoye Henry.

“The Imo State Police Command appreciates the public’s continued support and credible information, which have greatly aided recent operations,” Okoye stated.

The State PPRO said in the past six months, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside other specialised divisions, have apprehended a total of 2,785 suspects implicated in serious offences such as kidnapping, terrorism, murder, armed robbery, cultism, and child trafficking.

These extensive operations also resulted in the successful rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, many of whom have since been reunited with their jubilant families.

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Police said investigations into these cases have yielded a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives.

Recovered items include two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action guns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, assorted rounds of live ammunition, cartridges, Biafran flags, and various criminal charms.

“Among the high-profile arrests are Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30), identified as notorious members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. These individuals were reportedly responsible for numerous attacks on security formations and public infrastructure within Njaba Local Government Area.

“Acting on credible intelligence, a joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams raided an IPOB/ESN camp in Njaba, leading to their arrest and the recovery of high-grade weapons and explosives. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the kidnap and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly carried out on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as “Asari”, Okoye added.

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In a separate incident, two suspected kidnappers, Uche Nwachukwu, 24; and Chinonso Ozirim, 32; were apprehended for the abduction of Anayo Iwuoha from his compound in Akabo on June 20, 2025.

“The syndicate held the victim at Chinonso Ozirim’s residence and collected a ransom of ₦2.2 million before a joint operation involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to Mr. Iwuoha’s rescue and the arrest of the suspects. A manhunt for their fleeing accomplices is currently underway.

“Furthermore, Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36) of Orlu LGA, a notorious member of the Vikings Confraternity, was recently apprehended. Ogbonna had been at large for two years following the brutal murder of a young man known as ‘Pikin,’ who was mistakenly identified as a rival cultist and butchered with knives by Ogbonna and three other gang members.

“He was initially arrested by operatives of Orlu Division for burglary and stealing, but further profiling and transfer to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit confirmed his involvement in the heinous murder. All arrested suspects are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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“We remain committed to protecting lives and property and urge residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity via 0813 478 3532 or 0815 802 4755. Together, we will continue to make Imo State safer and more secure for all”, Okoye added.

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Woman jumps into Lagos lagoon, rescued by boat operators

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A yet-to-be-identified woman has been rescued after reportedly jumping into the lagoon from the Idumota end of the Carter Bridge in Lagos state.

The incident, which reportedly drew the attention of passersby and local boat operators, occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses, nearby boat operators responded and brought the woman back to safety.

video circulating on social media showed the woman, seated in a rescue boat shortly after she was brought out of the water.

The footage, shared on X by a user identified as CHUKS, also showed people gathered on the bridge expressing concern about the woman’s condition.

Some bystanders could be heard appealing to the boat operators to ensure that she received appropriate care.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the woman’s identity and condition.

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Police seize truck-load of fake drug warehouses in Lagos, arrest two

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The Lagos State Police Command says its operatives have uncovered two warehouses allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit pharmaceutical products and arrested two suspected members of a syndicate involved in the interstate and cross-border distribution of fake drugs.

Fatai Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,  disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in the Ijora Olopa area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the unit.

The police boss said the suspects were apprehended at a warehouse located at Number 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to various parts of Nigeria.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.

According to the police commissioner, “The suspects, Eze Okwudilichukwu ‘m’ 52 years, and Chukwudi Mba ‘m’ 42 years, were arrested at their warehouse located at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were found repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to different parts of Nigeria.

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“Following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects led detectives to another warehouse, where a duly executed search warrant was carried out. During the search, a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, bearing registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina), was recovered alongside other exhibits.”

The police boss said items recovered during the operation included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole; six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton, and other pharmaceutical products; and about 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra, and other drugs.

The CP noted that more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons were used to repackage counterfeit medicines.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been involved in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated drugs for over two years.

He added that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the products were supplied to different parts of Nigeria, while large consignments were also destined for Lomé, Togo, indicating the existence of a transnational distribution network.

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“The investigation also suggests that the suspected adulterated drugs are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State.

“While the production facility has not yet been located, detectives have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, arrest all those connected with the operation, and bring them to justice,” Fatai said.

The commissioner also alleged that attempts were made to compromise the investigation after the suspects were arrested.

“It is pertinent to state that since the arrest of the suspects, desperate attempts have been made through different channels to induce officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.

“I wish to categorically state that these attempts were firmly resisted. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and the rule of law, and no amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice,” he added.

Tijani said the suspects, recovered exhibits, and case file had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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He explained that the handover was necessary because the case falls within the regulatory mandate of the agency.

The CP commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation while urging members of the public to provide useful information on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other criminal activities.

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NDLEA uncovers cocaine hidden in wooden mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have uncovered fresh attempts by drug syndicates to export cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack destined for China and Italy.

This was contained in a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, and shared on X on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, one of the consignments involved cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar, a local tool commonly used for pounding yam and grains, which was being shipped to China.

The agency added that another cocaine shipment destined for Italy was discovered concealed in the false bottom of a backpack hidden among lace materials.

He wrote, “Mortar is a traditional local wooden tool commonly used for pounding yams or grains but was used to conceal cocaine consignment heading to China in one of the latest seizures by #ndlea_nigeria officers who also discovered another shipment of cocaine going to Italy in the false bottom of a backpack hidden in lace materials.

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“Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”

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