Police arrest armed robber, recover firearms, stolen items

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered firearms and stolen valuables in a joint operation involving officers of the Orji Division and the Anti-Narcotics Unit.

Police spokesman Henry Okoye said the suspect, Chigaemezu Aguguom, a native of Umuneke in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, was apprehended at the Bishop’s Court axis near Pacific Hotel, Owerri, sustaining gunshot wounds during a failed criminal operation.

Acting on credible intelligence, a patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Orji Division arrested Aguguom, who allegedly confessed to being a member of a five-man armed robbery gang. He provided information that is currently aiding efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Items recovered from the suspect included two locally fabricated firearms with five live cartridges, four smartphones, a wristwatch, and other valuables suspected to have been stolen from victims.

Okoye confirmed that the suspect and exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Owerri for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, assured residents of adequate security during the Easter period and urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency contact number.