Nigerian Police Arrest Five Kidnap Suspects Targeting University Students in Owerri

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five individuals linked to a series of kidnappings targeting university students in Owerri, Imo State. According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests were part of ongoing operations by the Imo State Command to address and combat criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.

The suspects, who were apprehended on August 21, 2024, in Avu, Imo State, have been identified as Umaru Usman (40) from Mauree, Sokoto; Tukur Yau (25) from Dawakinkudur, Kano State; Musbau Sabo (18) from Warsaw LGA, Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim (30) from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris (35) from Sokoto State. They are alleged to be involved in kidnappings in the areas of Obinze, Avu, and Ihiagwa. The police also rescued a kidnapped victim during this operation.

In a separate incident on the same day, Nwauba Alex, a 25-year-old male from Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State, was arrested for attempted robbery at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School in Owerri. The police recovered a locally made pistol, two rounds of ammunition, and torchlights from Alex.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to enhancing security measures and combating crime across the country. The Imo State Command has reported significant progress in addressing various forms of crime, particularly kidnappings.

This action comes in response to recent security alerts issued by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) following an increase in kidnappings near the university. The university management, led by Registrar Chiedozie Uba, has expressed concerns over the rise in incidents along the Obinze-Ihiagwa Road, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.