By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
14–FEB–2026

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed three of its personnel following allegations of involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, and vehicle theft within Owerri, the state capital. The decisive action underscores the Command’s stance on discipline and internal accountability.

The affected officers—Sgt. Ekwueme Gift, Sgt. Eto Ikechukwu, and Cpl. Divine Ogwuaru—were subjected to an orderly room trial after investigations into their conduct. Upon conclusion of the proceedings, they were found culpable and subsequently dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. A civilian accomplice, identified as Elias Chukwu, who allegedly acted as their driver during the operation, has also been formally charged.

According to police sources, the suspects reportedly carried out an attack on February 8, 2026, along Mbaise Road in Owerri, where victims were dispossessed of valuables at gunpoint and a vehicle was forcefully taken. The stolen car was later tracked to the Owerri–Onitsha Road axis, where the suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to sell or abandon it.

Further findings revealed that the officers were not on authorized duty at the time of the incident and had allegedly posed as operatives of the Tiger Base Unit in an attempt to legitimize their actions. Authorities stated that their conduct contravened provisions of the Nigeria Police Act and established service regulations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, ordered the immediate prosecution of the dismissed officers and reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, abuse of office, and criminal misconduct within its ranks. He emphasized that discipline and professionalism remain non-negotiable pillars of policing in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, reiterated that the dismissal reflects the Command’s commitment to transparency and institutional integrity. He encouraged members of the public to report any instance of police misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit Desk line, assuring that all reports would be handled with strict confidentiality.

The development sends a strong message that accountability applies uniformly, regardless of rank, as the Imo State Police Command intensifies efforts to restore public trust and uphold the rule of law.