The Abia State Police Command has recorded major achievements in its ongoing fight against crime, with the arrest of 230 suspects, including 15 females, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
Speaking at a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters in Umuahia on Friday, July 4, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, stated that the arrests were the result of the Command’s intensified strategic operations aimed at combating crime and ensuring public safety.
“Our operational procedures remain ongoing, and they continue to yield impressive results. The Command is not resting on its oars in the fight against crime and criminality,” CP Isa stated.
The suspects were arrested for various offenses, including armed robbery, child trafficking, kidnapping, child theft, and malicious damage. Among the items recovered were:
- 15 locally-made shotguns
- 4 AK-47 rifles
- 2 Ruga foreign military rifles
- 1 LA rifle
- 1 long-range gun
- 1 locally-fabricated Beretta pistol
- 1 pump-action gun
- 1 English-Chinese Scorpion pistol
- 347 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers
“These efforts are in line with our mandate to keep Abia State free from criminals,” the CP added.
Highlighting specific cases, CP Isa confirmed the arrest of a suspect involved in the murder of a Chinese national and a police officer in Uturu. The suspect is currently assisting the police in locating others involved in the crime.
In another major operation, police arrested three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of a woman in Umugu, Ugwunagbo (Ukwa West LGA). Although a ransom of ₦8 million was paid for her release, police tracked and apprehended the suspects using technical intelligence.
CP Isa also provided updates on the recent abduction of five individuals in Uturu, disclosing that some of the victims have been released and investigations indicate they were taken to Okigwe in Imo State. The Abia Command is now collaborating with the Imo State Police to bring the culprits to justice.
On the shooting of a commercial motorcycle rider in Uturu, the Commissioner identified it as a cult-related incident and assured that arrests will soon follow.
The Police Commissioner commended Governor Alex Otti for his continued support of security efforts, noting that the donation of two new Hilux vans by the Governor has helped in the deployment of tactical teams across the state.
“The logistical support from His Excellency has been invaluable and will further enhance our operational capabilities,” he said.
To strengthen border control, CP Isa revealed that the Command has intensified surveillance at all entry and exit points into Umuahia and Aba, aimed at intercepting and apprehending fleeing or incoming criminal elements.
CP Isa concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Abia State Police Command to maintaining law and order and assured that strategic security operations would persist across all zones of the state.
