Imo demolishes criminal hideouts in Owerri, recovers arms

The dismantled criminal hideouts at the Naze Industrial Cluster…Photo Credit: Ambrose Nwaogwugwu

The Imo State Government has dismantled criminal hideouts at the Naze Industrial Cluster in a targeted operation aimed at curbing escalating security threats in the area.

It was stated that the exercise was coordinated by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance under Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, in collaboration with security operatives.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, said the operation followed intelligence that the industrial cluster had gradually become a safe refuge for criminal gangs.

“During the exercise, we recovered arms and sharp objects from the structures.

“Several suspects were apprehended and immediately handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution,” the statement noted.

The officials confirmed that the structures had been used to plan and coordinate criminal activities, including robbery, drug-related offences, and attacks on nearby communities and businesses within the industrial area.

The state government said the residents and business operators in the cluster welcomed the government’s intervention.

“This government’s action will restore safety and allow legitimate enterprises to thrive without intimidation.

“The state government reaffirmed its resolve to continue dismantling criminal enclaves across Owerri and other parts of the state, with a focus on preventing their return and securing all public and industrial zones,” the statement concluded.

In July 2025, PUNCH Online reported that in a move to rid Imo State of drug peddling and criminal activities, the government demolished a notorious criminal hideout at Ama Hausa, along the ever-busy Douglas Road, Owerri, the state capital.

This is even as suspects for gunrunning and drug peddling were arrested from the shanties after they failed to give satisfactory reasons for what they were doing on the property.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]