Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested four suspects during a security operation across forests in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday.
Okoye said the operation was carried out by officers of the Ohaji Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Mathias Abah, in collaboration with local vigilantes.
According to him, the operatives combed forested areas in Assa, Ohuba, Adapalm Plantation and adjoining communities as part of ongoing proactive measures to tackle criminal activities and improve security in the area.
He explained that the exercise was in line with a directive by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, mandating sustained forest-clearing operations across the state to enhance the safety of lives and property.
Okoye said, “Operatives of the Ohaji Divisional Headquarters, led by the DPO, in collaboration with local vigilantes, on June 10, 2026, conducted bush-combing and clearance operations across forested areas within Assa, Ohuba, Ada Palm Plantation and adjoining communities in Ohaji as part of ongoing proactive security measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Bosso.
“The operation involved a thorough combing of identified locations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens and sustaining peace and security within the area. During the exercise, four male suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.”
The latest operation comes barely two weeks after 24 suspects were arrested during a large-scale forest-clearing exercise in Owerri West Local Government Area.
On May 25, the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam, led more than 250 police officers and vigilante operatives on an intensive combing operation across thick forests in Eziobodo, Ihiagwa and Okolochi communities, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Residents of Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, and neighbouring communities have repeatedly raised concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and attacks allegedly perpetrated by armed criminals operating from nearby forests.
The concerns intensified following the killing of Chimuanya Eke, who was reportedly shot while on his way to purchase medication for his child. He later died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, leaving behind his wife and five children.
The incident sparked protests by residents of Eziobodo and surrounding communities, who called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security and flush out criminal elements from the area.