Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate operating around the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Ihiagwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area, arresting seven suspects and recovering firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation, which forms part of the Command’s sustained efforts to combat violent crime across the state, also led to the discovery of the gang’s hideout where several weapons were recovered.
The Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the breakthrough followed a complaint lodged on July 18, 2026, by a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, who reported being robbed at gunpoint along the FUTO–Ihiagwa Road.
According to Okoye, police operatives immediately launched a strategic operation that resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Stanley Nwachukwu, Moses Okezie, and Gabriel Confidence.
He revealed that after the suspects were transferred to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation, they allegedly confessed to being members of the Vikings Confraternity and provided useful information that led to the arrest of four additional suspects identified as Emeka Oguike, Gideon Kadiri, Nnodim David, and Kingsley Okwara.
“The arrests formed part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the student community,” Okoye stated.
He added that a search of the suspects’ hideout led to the recovery of one cut-to-size English-made single-barrel gun, one locally made revolver pistol, one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, and four rounds of live cartridges.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who are currently on the run.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication to duty.
Bosso reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying the fight against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state. He also urged residents to continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information that would aid security operations.
