The Imo Statepolice command said two armed robbery and suspected car snatchers are currently in its custody, following “a swift overnight operation” in Owerri.

The command’s Spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri on Friday.

Mr Okoye explained that the suspects were caught in the early hours of Thursday, saying that the operation also led to the recovery of illegal firearms and a stolen commercial vehicle.

He stated. “The incident took place around 0200hrs, when officers of the Owerri Urban Divisional Headquarters, who were on a routine visibility patrol, acted on “credible intelligence”.

 According to him, intelligence gathered was that criminals were operating around Emmanuel College/Wetheral Junction by West End.

Mr Okoye further stated that there was a brief chase after the suspects spotted the police team.

 He stated, “On sighting the patrol team, the suspects attempted to escape but were given a hot chase. While two were successfully apprehended, two others managed to flee the scene. A search conducted on the suspects yielded significant evidence, with the recovery of two locally made firearms, five live cartridges, and a stolen white Hijet Shuttle bus, with the Reg. No. MMA 919 XA.’’

Okoye also stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects as well as the manufacturers of the locally fabricated firearms.

He restated the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma’s stern warning to those involved in criminal acts and reassured law-abiding citizens of their safety.

“The CP affirmed the command’s commitment to residents’ safety, warning criminals to refrain or face the law.

“The CP also urged the public to remain security-conscious,” the statement added.

 He urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or use the command’s emergency line: 08034773600.

 Mr Okoye said that the suspects would be charged to court, upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

(NAN)