The Imo State Police Command has foiled a suspected armed robbery operation in Owerri, arresting one suspect and recovering a locally fabricated pistol during an intelligence-led operation.
The command said the operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday at Works Layout, Owerri, following credible information provided by residents.
Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Henry Okoye, in a statement issued on Tuesday, identified the arrested suspect as Onyegbulam Lucky Boy, a native of Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, who resides at Umuodu, Mbieri.
According to the statement, the operation was jointly executed by police operatives, military personnel and local vigilante members, leading to the arrest of the suspect, while his alleged accomplice, identified simply as Chijioke, escaped after sighting the security team.
The command said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly mobilised to carry out a robbery attack on unsuspecting residents before security operatives disrupted the plan.
It added that a locally fabricated pistol, believed to have been intended for the operation, was recovered from the suspects, while the arrested suspect remains in police custody.
The police disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other members of the alleged criminal gang.
Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, commended the professionalism of the operatives as well as the support of the military, local vigilante members and residents whose timely information led to the successful operation.
Bosso directed that investigations be concluded without delay and that all those connected to the alleged criminal plot be apprehended and prosecuted.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to combat crime across the state.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information on suspicious persons and activities, describing public cooperation as critical to ongoing efforts to enhance security in Imo State.
