ABIA POLICE CRACK DOWN ON CRIME: HUNDREDS ARRESTED, KIDNAP VICTIMS RESCUED, WEAPONS RECOVERED

ABIA POLICE CRACK DOWN ON CRIME: HUNDREDS ARRESTED, KIDNAP VICTIMS RESCUED, WEAPONS RECOVERED

The Abia State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its intensified war against crime, arresting over 200 suspects, rescuing kidnap victims, recovering firearms, and dismantling several criminal operations across the state.

Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, disclosed the developments during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia on Friday, September 19, 2025.

CP Isa outlined the key achievements of the Command since July 4, 2025, which include:

204 suspects arrested: 192 males and 12 females, all facing prosecution.

Kidnap and human trafficking victims rescued: Four kidnap victims and several trafficked children.

Weapons recovered: 18 firearms, 20 magazines, and 404 rounds of ammunition.

Drug seizures: Large quantities of suspected cannabis and other narcotics.

Vehicle recoveries: Three stolen vehicles, two tricycles, and one motorcycle.

Other seizures: ₦2 million in cash, laptops, charms, machetes, mobile phones, shackles, cocoa bags, and ritual items.

Notable Arrests and Operations

Child Abduction in Aba: On September 17, Lois Osueke (58) and Esther Jude (42) were arrested for abducting two minors—a six-year-old girl and a ten-month-old baby—from an Anglican Church in Aba. Both children were rescued unharmed.

Ubakala Raid: A raid on August 7 led to the arrest of Udo Osinachi and Success Ahamba. Recovered items included locally made firearms, cartridges, Indian hemp, and criminal tools.

Campus Robbery Ring Busted: Four suspects involved in robbing students at Abia State University were arrested. Recovered items included weapons, phones, and a laptop.

Stolen Lexus Recovered: Chinonso Henry (35) was apprehended with a stolen Lexus ES 350 SUV linked to a robbery. Investigation is ongoing.

High-Risk Rescue Operation: Three kidnapped persons were freed, and a red Lexus Jeep, ₦2 million ransom, shackles, and mobile phones were recovered.

Ukwa West Gun Battle: A raid on a kidnappers’ den resulted in a shootout where five suspects were neutralized. Six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of ammunition, and ritual items were recovered.

Crimes Under Investigation

Sexual Offences:

Mascot Nzubechi Okezie (30) was arrested for raping a 22-year-old woman.

Ogbonnaya Nwosu (41) confessed to defiling a 12-year-old girl in Arochukwu.

Domestic and Violent Crimes:

Nwogu Nnamdi (35) fatally stabbed his brother during a dispute.

Ikechukwu Nna (38) stabbed his 48-year-old mother, who later died.

Chimaobi Nwanne (37) killed Chinonso Chukwuemeka (31) in a business quarrel.

Peter Nwachukwu (49) fatally attacked Onuoha Nwachukwu (56) in Umuahia South.

Mob Justice and Lynchings:

Two suspects were arrested for lynching a man accused of theft along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

Gabriel Kalu (62) and Dickson Okoro (55) allegedly beat a man to death at Aba Main Park.

Child Trafficking Ring:

Chinedu Kalu and Toyin Joshua confessed to trafficking minors to Burkina Faso. A Customs officer is also implicated and remains at large.

Murder Cases:

Seven suspects, including family member Ogbonna Iheanacho (65), were arrested for the murder of 75-year-old Uloma Israel in Ihie village.

Three others were apprehended in connection with the killing of a security guard at a farmhouse in Asa, Ukwa West.

Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery:

Azubuike Emerengwa attempted to shoot a motorist in Isiala Ngwa and was caught with a pistol and cartridges.

Religious Impostor Arrested: Ugochi Nwoke, a fake nurse and self-proclaimed prophetess, was arrested for selling a baby. Medical equipment and cash were recovered. Her buyer remains at large.

Violent Discipline Turns Deadly: Victoria Madubuko (68) allegedly flogged a 22-year-old woman, Nnenna Eke, who later died in the hospital.

Cocoa Farm Attack: Daniel Williams was arrested with a pistol and stolen cocoa seeds after an armed raid on a farm.

CP Isa also reported that six kidnappers responsible for the March 4 abduction and killing of prominent individuals along Azumiri Road were arrested in Akwa Ibom. All suspects later died from gunshot injuries sustained during an exchange with police. Two officers were injured in the operation.

In a separate case, a suspect, Chimezie Dick, remains at large after allegedly threatening a neighbor with a firearm over a land dispute. The weapon has been recovered.

CP Isa Reiterates Call for Public Support

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to securing lives and property, CP Isa praised the dedication of police officers and the support of sister security agencies and vigilant citizens.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities promptly,” he said. “The Abia State Police Command will not relent in its duty to make the state safer for all.”