- CONFIRMS COMPLICITY OF OPERATIVES
The recent dismissal of three police officers by the new Commissioner of Police in Imo State, though widely welcomed, has further fueled speculations in some quarters that the persistent security challenges in the state may be aided and abetted by unscrupulous security personnel.
Concerned residents have long questioned how kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities continue unabated in areas such as Ihiagwa, Obinze, Avu, and Nekede, despite the visible presence of military and paramilitary formations in those communities.
A concerned resident described the situation as an aberration, noting that the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze, where thousands of soldiers operate, is located within an area frequently reported to be plagued by criminal activities. Similarly, Nekede hosts a Police Training College, while many security personnel reside in Obinze, Nekede, and Ihiagwa. Despite this, cases of kidnapping and other crimes are allegedly recorded in those areas.
The source, however, expressed optimism following the decisive action of the new Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, stating that his move signals that it will no longer be “business as usual” for criminal elements and their collaborators.
It would be recalled that the CP recently dismissed three police officers accused of extorting and robbing civilians along the Mbaise–Umuahia Road on February 8, 2026. Acting on reports of misconduct by certain officers, the CP reportedly directed the heads of tactical units to identify and apprehend erring personnel tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to information made available to the press, the dismissed officers—identified as Ekwueme, Sergeant Okechukwu, and Corporal Divine Ogwu—were relieved of their duties four days after an orderly room trial.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the trio, alongside a civilian accomplice identified as Elias Chukwu, are to be arraigned in court on February 17, 2026, on charges bordering on armed robbery, kidnapping, and car snatching.
According to sources, one victim was allegedly dispossessed of about ₦3 million after being stopped by the officers, who reportedly seized his vehicle and ordered him to flee. The suspects allegedly attempted to transport the stolen vehicle to Onitsha for disposal but were intercepted by police detectives at the Ihiala/Uli axis following a successful tracking operation. The driver’s confession reportedly led to the arrest of his accomplices, including the dismissed officers.
The civilian accomplice, Elias Chukwu, who allegedly acted as the driver during the operation, has also been charged alongside the former officers.
DSP Okoye expressed satisfaction with what he described as the CP’s zero tolerance for corruption, noting that CP Bosso, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has made it clear that professionalism and adherence to the rule of law will be his guiding principles.
He reiterated that it would no longer be business as usual for erring officers or members of the public who engage in criminal activities.
The police spokesperson further solicited greater public partnership in community policing efforts, urging residents to provide credible intelligence on misconduct by police officers through the Police Complaints Response Unit line: 08148024755. He assured members of the public of absolute confidentiality.
