Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Four suspects arrested for being in possession of military uniforms are currently in police custody in Abia State, as the police also confirmed the recovery of arms and ammunition from various suspects in ongoing operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday, stating that the suspects are undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to him, the arrests form part of broader security efforts that have led to the apprehension of over 200 suspects between January and April for various offences.
“The suspects found with army uniforms are being investigated. They are about three or four in number and are currently undergoing interrogation,” the CP said, adding that they would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.
Recall that some suspects were said to have been arrested with army uniforms at Olokoro and Agbama parts of Umuahia earlier in the year.
The police command also used the opportunity to address public concerns over the death of a patient at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), dismissing earlier claims of murder.
Isa clarified that the incident was a suicide, explaining that the deceased had reportedly taken his own life after failing to meet financial obligations tied to money collected as a job recruiter.
“There is evidence to show that he took his own life. It was not a case of murder as speculated,” he stated.
Highlighting the state of security, the CP noted a marked decline in violent crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery, attributing the improvement to sustained police operations initiated during the festive period in December.
However, he raised concerns over cult-related activities, revealing that 23 suspects had been prosecuted in connection with 13 cultism cases, with 32 firearms and ammunition recovered.
He called on residents to support law enforcement agencies with timely information, assuring that the command remains committed to sustaining the fight against crime.
The CP also reiterated that bail remains free and urged the public to report any cases of extortion by officers.
In a show of support for bereaved families, the command disbursed N11,960,244.88 to relatives of fallen police personnel under the Inspector-General’s welfare scheme.
Meanwhile, 771 out of 1,005 applicants have so far been screened in the ongoing police recruitment exercise in the state, which is expected to run until April 18.
The command further announced the posting of new officers to fill key vacancies, including the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, following the death of DCP Chris Okoro, as well as changes in the CID leadership.
Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, Grace Nwogu expressed appreciation to the police authorities, noting that the financial assistance would provide much-needed support to affected families.
