The Imo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing residents of Obinze, Avu, and surrounding areas. This breakthrough comes after the abduction of a 26-year-old woman from her residence in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area, on August 18, 2024.
The suspects, identified as Umaru Usman (40), Tukur Yau (25), Musbau Sabo (18), Abdul Ibrahim (30), and Jubrin Idris (35), were apprehended during a raid on a forest hideout in Avu. These criminals, hailing from Sokoto and Kano States, were caught with a pump-action gun, five cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and various charms used in their operations.
Following the kidnapping report, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, immediately deployed the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit, leveraging all available resources and intelligence. The swift operation not only led to the arrest of the kidnappers but also ensured the victim’s safe return.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Henry Okoye, investigations are ongoing to capture the remaining gang members, ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
Local journalist Chinonso Ubah, popularly known as Nonso Nkwa, played a crucial role in exposing the syndicate’s modus operandi. He revealed how the criminals, posing as Hausa/Fulani okada riders, would stage accidents along the Avu-Obinze road, where their accomplices would then abduct the unsuspecting passengers.
In a similar incident on January 31, 2024, the syndicate abducted a young man along the same route. Thanks to the community’s prayers and swift police intervention, the boy was miraculously rescued within minutes.
Expressing his gratitude, a resident shared, “I thank God and CP Aboki Danjuma for this remarkable feat. Nonso Nkwa deserves our deepest appreciation for shedding light on these heinous acts. May God continue to protect us all.”
