The Imo State Police Command said that it has burst a criminal den that may lead it to apprehend those behind the kidnap of a road safety officer, Sabinus Ugwuebu, and former Eze Imo, HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri.
Both victims were kidnapped few days ago at various locations in Imo state.
Disclosing this on Tuesday, January 9, the police spokesman in the state, Henry Okoye, said that the police operatives in collaboration with the military made the breakthrough when they stormed the criminal hideout suspected to be IPOB/ESN camp at Ihite Owerre, in Orlu Local Government Area of the State at about 3.30 am on January 9, after a gun duel.
He said after a protracted gunfight with the alleged IPOB/ESN members an unnamed suspect was apprehended while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
He said: “The arrested suspect, who is believed to be a member of the ESN terrorist group may lead to where the kidnapped victims are.”
“On searching the camp, we recovered road safety uniforms of the kidnapped officer, Sabinus Ugwuebu.”
He added that other items recovered include one pump action gun, two double barrel guns, two single barrel guns, 54 rounds of live cartridges, military uniforms, six motorcycles and a box containing locally made explosives.
“A concerted investigative effort is in progress to arrest the fleeing suspects and possibly rescue the kidnapped victims,” he said.
He reiterated that the Command would continue to work closely with the Military and other relevant security agencies towards stamping out all forms of crime and criminality in the State, adding that the Command will not rest until the kidnapped victims are released and the culprits brought to book.