Ebonyi Police arrest 620 suspects, prosecute 309, recover 31 firearms and ammunition as officers intensify operations against crime across the state.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has reported a major security crackdown across the state, with 620 suspects arrested in connection with 372 criminal cases recorded between April and September 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, disclosed the figures during a briefing with journalists at the command headquarters in Abakaliki, outlining several operations that she said demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to disrupt criminal activities.
Beyond the arrests, the police recovered 31 firearms of different descriptions, 33 rounds of ammunition and three vehicles during the period.
Okafor said 309 of the suspects had been taken to court in connection with 162 cases, while detectives were still working on other cases before the command.
She said the operations were driven largely by intelligence received from members of the public, routine patrols and targeted interventions in locations identified as security flashpoints.
Among the cases under investigation was an alleged attempt by a man to make money from his relatives by pretending to have been kidnapped.
The suspect, identified as Ajah Ikechukwu from Ngwogwo Community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, allegedly contacted members of his family on August 10 and demanded ₦25 million as ransom.
According to the commissioner, the family eventually paid ₦1 million into an account provided by the suspect.
The alleged kidnapping, however, did not end with the payment. Police investigators began looking into the circumstances of the incident and eventually traced and arrested Ikechukwu.
Okafor said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he had arranged the purported abduction himself in an attempt to obtain money from his family.
The police commissioner used the case to caution members of the public against staging kidnappings or using false claims of abduction to extort relatives.
She said the command would continue to investigate such incidents and ensure that persons found responsible were prosecuted.
In another development, police operatives prevented an armed group from successfully carrying out an attack after three men allegedly confronted a police officer returning from work on August 16.
The officer was reportedly travelling in his vehicle when the men attempted to force their way inside. Their operation was disrupted when they sighted approaching police personnel and fled.
The suspects were later linked to the alleged abduction of a woman identified as Chigbo Lucy.
Police reportedly intercepted the group around Ebebe Junction, although the suspects escaped into the surrounding area. The victim was rescued unharmed.
One of the alleged attackers, Stephen Job, was subsequently arrested.
A search of Job’s residence reportedly uncovered a locally made pistol, 13 live cartridges, a black mask, a pair of black gloves and assorted charms.
The command also made a significant firearm recovery in Ishielu Local Government Area after receiving information about a suspected weapons storage location.
On July 6, operatives moved to Onuebonyi-Eziagu and allegedly recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a Beretta pistol.
Okafor described the seizure as an important step in preventing illegal weapons from being used to fuel violent crimes within the state.
The police also uncovered another cache of weapons after arresting Ishali Onuabuchi over alleged possession of a firearm.
The suspect reportedly took investigators to the residence of Ekenedirichukwu Oge, where officers recovered a locally made pistol, short guns, three live cartridges and charms.
The investigation subsequently led to the identification of several other suspects allegedly connected with the group.
They were named as Obazi Chukwunonso, Chikaodiri Itumo, Monday Igboke, Uga Chibuike Elom and Obasi Onuachi.
The commissioner said investigations were still being conducted to establish what roles each of the suspects allegedly played. Those found culpable, she added, would be taken to court.
Earlier, on June 11, police had responded to complaints about alleged hoodlums operating around Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area.
Operatives were deployed to the Onunkwuda Market Square, where five suspects were arrested.
The suspects were identified as Ngwuata Henry Chikaodili, Utobo Maduabuchi Fabia, Chukwuebuka Nwokpu, Ogba Okwudili and Eze Uba Kenneth.
Police said the operation produced two pump-action firearms, a locally manufactured single-barrel gun, three machetes, four live cartridges and assorted illicit drugs.
The suspects were subsequently charged to court, according to Okafor.
A separate arrest had taken place days earlier at the Hausa Quarters Flyover in Abakaliki.
Police officers conducting patrols on June 2 reportedly became suspicious of Uzor Ifeanyi after observing him carrying a bag.
A search allegedly revealed a locally made pistol, leading to his arrest and eventual arraignment.
The command also turned its attention to a suspected criminal hideout in Nkomoro Community, Ezza North Local Government Area, following reports of gunfire during a funeral ceremony.
The operation, conducted on August 1, resulted in the recovery of an ash-coloured Honda Accord.
Police said 19 voter cards and two mobile phones were found during a search of the vehicle.
The command has not yet established the ownership of the vehicle or explained the circumstances surrounding the presence of the items found inside it.
Okafor said further investigation was underway to determine whether the vehicle and recovered materials were connected to the alleged criminal activities reported in the area.
Reviewing the command’s overall performance, the commissioner said the number of arrests, court cases and weapons recovered reflected the intensity of police operations across Ebonyi during the period.
She maintained that the command would not relent in pursuing individuals involved in violent crime, illegal possession of firearms, kidnapping and other offences.
Okafor also appealed to residents to maintain communication with the police and provide credible information capable of helping officers identify criminal elements and prevent attacks.
She said community cooperation remained essential to successful policing, particularly because residents were often in the best position to notice suspicious movements and activities within their neighbourhoods.
The commissioner assured the people of Ebonyi that the command would sustain patrols, intelligence gathering and targeted operations aimed at protecting lives and property.
She added that suspects established through investigation to have committed offences would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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