Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, working alongside local vigilantes, have foiled a kidnap operation in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, rescued an abducted council official, and recovered arms and ammunition from the suspects.
The operation, which was carried out on May 17, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by security operatives regarding the movement of suspected kidnappers who had abducted Hon. Sir John A. Ikewe, Supervisory Councillor for Culture in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri on Monday.
According to Okoye, the suspects were intercepted along the Umukabia/Umuneke Road in Ngor-Okpala LGA while attempting to flee with the victim in two vehicles.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire sporadically in a desperate attempt to evade arrest. However, the operatives responded professionally and forced the criminals to abandon the vehicles and flee into the nearby bush,” Okoye stated.
He explained that a follow-up clearance operation was immediately launched by the joint security team, leading to the successful rescue of the victim without injury.
“The operatives engaged the fleeing hoodlums in a controlled tactical response and successfully rescued the abducted victim unhurt,” he said.
Okoye further revealed that one of the suspects, identified as Chimobi Lewechi of Obowo, believed to be a member of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN), sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
“One of the suspects, later identified as Chimobi Lewechi ‘M’ of Obowo and suspected to be affiliated with the proscribed ESN criminal network, sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire. He was evacuated to the hospital where he was later confirmed dead by a medical practitioner,” he added.
The police spokesman noted that several exhibits were recovered during the operation, including firearms, ammunition, charms, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
“The operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns loaded with five live cartridges, one Toyota Corolla with registration number LSR-348-JR, and one Lexus RX 330 with registration number KGE-954-LX belonging to the rescued victim,” Okoye said.
“Other recovered items include an MP recorder, the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred Naira (₦77,200), charms, an ESN vest, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. All exhibits have been taken into police custody for further investigation.”
He, however, disclosed that the fleeing suspects shot a motorcyclist dead during the incident, while another passenger sustained injuries.
“Regrettably, during the operation, the fleeing suspects fatally shot a motorcyclist, while a passenger sustained gunshot injuries to the leg and is currently receiving medical attention,” he stated.
According to him, the remains of both the deceased suspect and the slain motorcyclist have been deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary, Umueneke, for preservation and postmortem examination.
“The Command has intensified efforts to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the criminal gang. Investigation is ongoing,” Okoye added.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Audu Bosso, commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives and vigilante personnel involved in the mission.
“The Commissioner of Police applauds the gallantry, professionalism, and synergy exhibited by the operatives and vigilante partners during the operation. The Command remains committed to sustained intelligence-led policing and ensuring the safety of residents across Imo State,” the police spokesman said.
Imo Police, Vigilantes Foil Kidnap Operation, Rescue Abducted Councillor
