In a significant breakthrough, the Imo State Police Command has arrested a notorious kidnap syndicate allegedly responsible for the abduction and murder of retired Major General Richard Duru in September 2023.
During a press briefing at the command headquarters in Owerri, the state capital, Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye announced the arrest alongside 32 other suspected criminals involved in various crimes across the state.
Okoye credited the success to the proactive operational strategies employed by the police in combating violent crimes and related offenses.
Major General Duru was reportedly kidnapped near Bishops Court, Area 7, Orji/Uratta Owerri, while driving his black Mercedes. Despite his family paying a $50,000 ransom, he was subsequently killed. The breakthrough in the case came from the anti-kidnapping unit’s sustained intelligence efforts, leading to the capture of the gang’s leader and other members.
One of the suspects, Chukwunonso Emmanuel from Idemili North LGA, Anambra State, was arrested in Lagos while attempting to obtain a new number plate for the General’s car. His arrest led to the apprehension of two other gang members, Okoroigwe Goodness and Innocent Ogu, who confessed to the crime.
Okoye highlighted the police command’s significant achievements over the past two months, including the arrest of 435 suspects for various offenses such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, fraud, cultism, theft, and receiving stolen property.
The operations resulted in the recovery of 48 firearms, 552 rounds of ammunition, the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of 10 stolen vehicles.
Commending the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, Okoye assured the public that the command, under Commissioner of Police Danjuma Aboki, remains committed to eradicating banditry and all forms of criminality in the state.
