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Police authorities in Imo State have apprehended a notorious kidnap ring 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, SP Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesman, announced the arrest of the gang members along with 32 other suspects involved in various crimes across the state.
“The proactive operational strategies deployed by the police in tackling violent crimes and related offenses have led to these significant arrests,” said SP Okoye.
Major General Duru was abducted 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 sustained intelligence efforts by the anti-kidnapping unit, which led to the arrest of the gang’s leader and other members.
One of the suspects, Chukwunonso Emmanuel from Idemili North LGA, Anambra State, was apprehended in Lagos while attempting to obtain a new number plate for the General’s car. His arrest led to the capture of two other gang members, Okoroigwe Goodness and Innocent Ogu, who confessed to the crime.
SP 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. “These 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,” Okoye noted.
While 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. “The command will continue to deploy every necessary resource to ensure the safety and security of the residents of Imo State,” Okoye emphasized.
This recent development has brought some relief to the community, highlighting the effective measures taken by the police to address and reduce violent crimes in the region.
