Crime

Abia Police Arrest 230 Suspects in Ongoing Crime-Busting Operations — CP Danladi Isa

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 5th, 2025.

Abia Police Arrest 230 Suspects in Ongoing Crime-Busting Operations — CP Danladi Isa

In a major offensive against criminal activity, the Abia State Police Command has arrested 230 suspects, including 15 women, as part of a sustained campaign to enhance public safety. This was revealed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, during a media briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Umuahia on Friday, July 4, 2025.

According to CP Isa, the arrests are the result of intensified strategic operations across the state aimed at dismantling criminal networks and curbing insecurity.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents. These operations are ongoing and have already begun yielding significant outcomes,” the Commissioner said.

The suspects face a range of charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, child trafficking, and vandalism. In addition to the arrests, security forces recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including:

15 locally-made shotguns

4 AK-47 rifles

2 foreign Ruga military rifles

1 LA rifle

1 long-range firearm

1 locally-made Beretta pistol

1 pump-action shotgun

1 English-Chinese Scorpion pistol

347 rounds of ammunition of various calibers

CP Isa noted that these efforts align with the police’s broader mission to rid Abia State of criminal elements.

During the briefing, he highlighted several notable breakthroughs. One involved the arrest of a suspect connected to the killing of a Chinese expatriate and a police officer in Uturu. The individual is currently cooperating with investigators to apprehend additional suspects.

In another case, three men were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the abduction of a woman in Umugu, located in Ugwunagbo (Ukwa West LGA). Although a ransom of ₦8 million had been paid before her release, police used advanced tracking methods to identify and capture the suspects.

The Commissioner also addressed the recent abduction of five persons in Uturu. He confirmed that some of the victims have been freed and that preliminary investigations suggest they were taken to Okigwe in neighboring Imo State. Abia Police are now working closely with their counterparts in Imo to track down the kidnappers.

Regarding the shooting of a commercial motorcycle rider in Uturu, CP Isa linked the incident to cult-related violence and assured that arrests are imminent.

He went on to thank Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support of law enforcement efforts, noting that the recent donation of two Hilux vans has significantly improved tactical mobility and deployment across Abia State.

“The logistical aid from His Excellency has strengthened our ability to respond swiftly and effectively,” Isa concluded.