By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
19- SEPT -2025

The Imo State Police Command has restated its determination to stamp out criminal activities across the state, as the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, unveiled major breakthroughs in recent operations.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, CP Danjuma said the Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders, had between July and mid-September 2025 carried out decisive raids and intelligence-led operations that crippled criminal networks. These efforts culminated in the arrest of 789 suspects linked to heinous crimes ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, terrorism, child trafficking, and murder.

According to him, nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued and successfully reunited with their families. The operations also yielded the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made weapons, 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, IEDs, hard drugs, counterfeit notes, and Biafran currencies.

One of the most notable achievements was the dismantling of IPOB/ESN terrorist cells in parts of Okigwe, Mbaitoli, and Njaba LGAs, leading to the arrest of several key figures. On September 16, 2025, operatives stormed a camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA, where a fierce exchange of gunfire ended in the capture of 16 suspected terrorists, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu. Weapons and other incriminating materials were recovered.

Earlier on September 9, 2025, a notorious terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, was apprehended in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli LGA. He confessed to leading violent attacks carried out by his gang across Imo State.

The Police Command also scored a major success against human trafficking. Officers of the Anti-Vice Unit uncovered a disturbing case where a one-month-old baby, deceitfully declared dead at birth, was rescued and returned to her mother, Precious Ochasi of Ohuba, Ohaji. Investigations revealed a conspiracy involving a self-acclaimed pastor, a nurse, and an agent identified as Chioma, who plotted to sell the child for ₦900,000. Four suspects are in custody, while others remain on the run.

In another operation, four suspected cultists linked to the Vikings Confraternity were arrested in Amaraku, Isiala Mbano LGA. Locally fabricated pistols and cartridges were seized, and investigations continue to track their accomplices.

CP Danjuma commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his unwavering support in logistics and personnel welfare, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for providing leadership and direction.

He reassured Ndi Imo of the Command’s steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property, declaring:
“Our mission is clear—we will not relent until Imo is completely free from crime and safe for all law-abiding citizens. These achievements mark only the beginning of our renewed fight for peace and security.”

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
19- SEPT -2025

The Imo State Specialist Hospital, Owerri, has officially announced the temporary suspension of services of all staff on contract and part-time consultants as part of measures necessitated by the ongoing renovation and revamping of the hospital facilities. The directive, which was issued on September 18, 2025, is set to take effect from October 1, 2025, until further notice.

The hospital’s management, in a notice signed by Mrs. Nwanedo Ogechi C., emphasized that the decision followed instructions linked to the comprehensive upgrade initiative being championed by the Executive Governor of Imo State. According to the management, the temporary hold is aimed at ensuring that renovation works proceed smoothly without operational encumbrances while also paving the way for improved service delivery when the facilities reopen.

In the official communication, the hospital acknowledged the vital contributions of contract staff and part-time consultants but stressed the need for their cooperation and understanding during the period of suspension. Staff affected by the development have been directed to hand over all hospital property in their possession to their respective Heads of Department or Heads of Unit before the stipulated commencement date of the suspension.

While the management recognized that this temporary measure may cause inconvenience, it assured the affected staff and the general public that the decision is in the overall interest of the healthcare system in Imo State. Updates regarding the resumption of duties and continuation of services will be communicated in due course once the renovation works are concluded or when the hospital reaches a phase where services can resume.

The Chief Medical Director, Dr. Rajinda Ibekube, alongside the Head of Medical Services, Dr. Amajoyi Cornelius C., and the Head of Administration Services, Mrs. Onaegbulem Augusta, reaffirmed that the hospital remains committed to excellence in healthcare delivery. They reiterated that the renovation project represents a milestone in the government’s effort to reposition the institution as a premier medical center capable of meeting the health needs of Imo residents and beyond.

The hospital management extended gratitude to the affected staff for their anticipated cooperation and understanding, while also urging them to remain patient as the government works tirelessly to transform the institution into a model of modern medical practice.

The Imo State Police Command has announced that its operatives arrested 16 suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, for “terrorising” Oguta, Njaba, and Mbaitoli LGAs.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday.

Danjuma stated that security operatives stormed the camp of IPOB/ESN in Oguta LGA on Tuesday.

According to him, during the operation the “terrorists” opened fire on the security operatives, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

“On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower.

“Sixteen suspects, including their sub-commanders, Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested.

“Recovered from the camp were two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and charms,” he said.