Two police officers from the Imo State Police Command have lost their lives during a pursuit of criminal elements suspected to be members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the Orogwe axis of Owerri West Local Government Area.
According to a press release by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the operation, led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, resulted in the neutralization of three suspects and the recovery of six AK-47 rifles and 131 rounds of live ammunition.
Two suspects, identified as David Ifeanyichukwu, 20, and Abuchi Joseph, 24, were also apprehended. The suspects were linked to a kidnapping and armed robbery operation that took place on December 19, 2024.
Further investigations revealed the gang’s involvement in the abduction of Osuji Caleb Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024. During that incident, the criminals also stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables. Following extensive intelligence gathering, the command embarked on the operation to apprehend the gang.
During the confrontation, operatives recovered six AK-47 rifles, 113 rounds of ammunition, a locally made gun, and two stolen vehicles—a Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number RRT 469 FF and a Hijet shuttle bus with registration number JRV 42 XA. The vehicles were reportedly used in the gang’s various criminal activities, including kidnappings.
Tragically, two officers sustained injuries during an exchange of gunfire with the suspects and later succumbed to their wounds.
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