Police recover locally made pistols, foil threats of violence across three local governments
The Imo State Police Command has arrested three individuals in a series of coordinated operations aimed at curbing cultism and the illegal possession of firearms within the state.
The most notable arrest occurred on July 29, 2025, when Okoye Florence Chinenyenwa, a student of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, reported a violent threat made against her by Reuben Casmir Chibuike, 25, of Umuokomoche, Nekede. Acting on her report, police operatives swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspect at his residence in Kings Lodge. A locally fabricated pistol was recovered during the search.
Investigations revealed that Chibuike is a self-confessed member of the Aiye Confraternity, a known cult group. He has since been transferred to the anti-cultism unit for further interrogation and will be charged in court.
In a related development, on July 26, officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested Stanley Uzoma, 32, during a routine stop-and-search operation along Agbala, Aba Road. A locally made pistol was discovered in his possession. Uzoma claimed he found the weapon by the roadside — a claim authorities say is under investigation.
Another incident on July 23 involved the arrest of Nnamdi Paul, 28, of Ohaozara LGA in Ebonyi State. Paul was apprehended after attempting to flee a police checkpoint along the Owerri–Port Harcourt Road. Following a brief chase, officers discovered a cut-to-size pistol concealed in a sack he was carrying.
All three suspects remain in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The police confirmed that they will face prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigations.
Reacting to the successful operations, Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, commended the swift response of his officers and urged residents to continue collaborating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity.
“Our command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property. We will not tolerate cultism or the unlawful possession of weapons in Imo State,” CP Danjuma stated.
The Imo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
